Neighbourhood visits

We were delighted to start our neighbourhood visits again this year. We listened to your feedback saying you’d like to see us in the communities where you live, so, over the last three months, we visited nine areas across Dorset and Somerset.

We visted Bridgwater, Yeovil, Dorchester, Wellington, Taunton, Seaton, Bridport, Lyme Regis and Sherborne and were joined by some of our housing and repairs specialists, members of our leadership team, local Police Community Support Officers and councillors. It was a great way to collaborate with the community and identify areas for improvement.

During these visits, we paid particular attention to the following:

• Are there any overhanging or dangerous trees?

• Is the area tidy and free of rubbish?

• Is there any damaged fencing or boundary walls?

• Is there adequate street lighting?

• Are parking areas maintained?

• Are there any noise issues?

• Are there any security or safety issues that need addressing?

• Do any play areas need attention?

• Are external seats in good condition?

• Are door entry systems working properly?

• Are communal bin areas clean and free from hazardous waste?

We identified a number of improvements and repairs needed whilst out on our visits. These included weeding that needed to be carried out, tree’s that require attention, gutters that need clearing and rubbish

to be removed. We’ll be organising for this work to be carried out.

We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who came along and joined us on the neighbourhood visits. It was great to meet you in person and hear from you about any improvements that are needed where you live. We’ll be continuing these visits again in the new year.