Poundbury Residents Association looks at a charitable setup

The Poundbury Residents Association asked locals for their opinions in a recent meeting - with the majority seemingly in favour of a new approach.

Before the meeting, residents noticed an immediate difference to proceedings with chairs arranged around tables, in what some locals described as a ‘communal’ layout - which they were in favour of.

Current Co-Chair of the Residents Association, Simon Standish, said: “This is a very important meeting because we’ve changed a lot over time, especially in the last year or so. We’ve also had a representational role on issues that demand attention and we’ve tried to represent these issues.”

The association had earmarked six projects to improve life for all Poundbury residents, which those at the tables then discussed, ranking them in priority order.

• READ MORE: Poundbury Resident's Association to hold meeting on future

These included more activities available for younger people, all aspects of safety including anti-social behaviour, cycling routes and sustainability.

Residents then put stickers next to the items they cared about most.

A discussion then took place in the meeting about the future of the association which gave the people a chance to put themselves forward for a number of positions from a new chair to project leading and involvement. Following the meeting, those who showed an interest would be contacted.

Mike Stear has been a resident for 10 years and said he has seen a ‘community change’ with the development which needs more money to keep it going.

He said: “Looking forward with our current model, we have no regular funding which means we have a limitation to what we can do.

“We need to be able to action projects like a community hub for everyone, support campaigns such as the 20mph speed limit, develop social media and our website.

“We have the possibility to move from a Residents Association to a Community Association,” he added.

Kay Kay, a resident on the committee, explained what the positives were for the association to change itself into a charitable community trust.

She said: “Another structure is to evolve into a charitable community trust, which would include a board of trustees who have awareness of the community and expertise and passion.”

Most attendees were seemingly supportive of a community trust based charity.

Part of the discussion surrounding the change to a charity was to look at a subscription service for residents to sign up to, which most disagreed with.

Some residents expressed their disappointment and asked why members of the Duchy were not present at the meeting.

Mr Standish said they will be present at the Annual General Meeting on March 20, to be held at Damers First School.

After the meeting, Mr Stear said: “It’s been very successful, lots of interest - it’s just a case of how we take this forward.”

If you are a resident of Poundbury and would like to get involved in the future of the association, email chair@lovepoundbury.org.uk