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Poole News Archive 2008 >
Poole News Archive 2007 >

POOLE COUNCIL SPYING ON YOU - PART 2

It has now been revealed that Fisherman and Off Licences are two more surveillance targets the Borough of Poole has admitted to covertly watching, following the earlier revelation that it had undertaken surveillance of a Poole family.

Details obtained by the local paper, the Daily Echo reveal that Poole council has been using the covert powers, originally intended to target terrorists, since 2005. Using the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA), the council has admitted to 17 further cases where undercover surveillance was undertaken.

Reasons put forward by the council for exercising the powers included:

Determining if fishermen were illegally gathering shellfish in Poole Harbour.
Detecting underage alcohol sales.
Ascertaining who damaged a barrier.
Identifying who vandalised a door entry system.

(Wed 14 May 08)

NEW HOTEL FOR POOLE

Image of Calendars Exchange Bar & Grill, due to be demolished A new 91-bed Travelodge is due to replace one of the original restaurants at Tower Park, Poole, after the plans were approved by the Planning Committee in Poole. The plans include the demolition of the existing Calendars restaurant and the construction of a new storey hotel and ground floor café. However, concerns have been expressed at the apparent lack of provision of car parking spaces, in what is already a heavily over-subscribed car park. (Tue 22 Apr 08)

SECURITY GUARD FOILS ROBBERY

An attempted robbery on a Group Four Securicor (G4S) security van was foiled after the security guard fought back.

The attempted raid took place outside the Nat West Bank in Haven Road, Canford Cliffs on Wednesday 16 April 2008. Witnesses saw a balaclava-clad man attack the Group Four Securicor (G4S) guard as he removed a money box from the back of his van. It is believed the assailant, who may have been armed, fled empty-handed after the security guard fought him off. (Thu 17 Apr 08)

BRIAN PHELPS PLEADS GUILTY TO SEX ATTACKS

Brian Phelps, 63,the well known former Olympic diver has pleaded guilty to 42 charges of indecent assault and indecency against three girls aged as young as six, at an appearance at Bournemouth Crown Court., today Tuesday 15 April 2008.

The married 63-year-old admitted the charges, which relate to a period between 1976 and 1987.

Phelps, who won Olympic and Commonwealth medals ran the Olga Gym in Poole before retiring to live in France. The case has now been adjourned until 15 May for a pre-sentence report. (Tue 15 Apr 08)

MAN ARRESTED AFTER WOMANS BODY FOUND

A 38 year old man was arrested in Newport, Gwent, in connection with the discovery of a womans body at Goathorn Close, Turlin Moor, Hamworthy, Poole

It is believed that the woman who died suffered numerous stab wounds. Police had been called by neighbours reporting a domestic incident. (Sun 13 Apr 08)

JETSKIERS FINED

Image of jet-skier at Sandbanks Two speeding jetskiers who forced the Sandbanks ferry to stop have been prosecuted and each fined a total of £1,040 in fines and costs.

With Easter fast approaching and the likelihood of more jet skiers on the water, the jet skiers are reminded that to use the harbour they need a personal water craft permit from PHC and that they must obey the harbour speed limits and regulations or risk being prosecuted. (Fri 8 Feb 08)

NEW APPEAL OVER BODY FOUND IN HARBOUR

Eight years after a man's body was found in Poole harbour, a missing persons' charity is hoping a 3D reconstruction of his face could jog peoples memories. The mystery man is thought to have died several weeks before his body was discovered on the beach on January 6, 2000.

He was found on the beach in Poole Harbour and is thought to have died several weeks or even months earlier. He is described as white, aged between 16 and 30 years, about 5ft 8in tall, of slim build with dark hair. When found he was wearing brown cord trousers, a black belt, white socks and black boots. Despite an appeal by police for help to trace his origins, the man's identity still remains a mystery.

Contact Missing People on 0500 700 700 on their 24hr freefone service or visit their website at : http://www.missingpeople.org.uk/areyoumissing/unidentified/archive/detail.asp?dsid=105

(Mon 7 Jan 08)

PLANNING APPLICATION SUBMITTED FOR OLD POWER STATION SITE
Plans for a major development of almost 1,700 homes, including a 15-storey tower block, at the former power station in Hamworthy have been submitted to the council.

Developer and landowner JJ Gallagher has applied for an estimated £800m scheme to redevelop the former power station site alongside the Black Water Channel with 1,674 homes and more than 4,000 square metres of commercial space. It is one of the largest applications ever received by the council and could radically change the face of Poole, creating a new area complete with housing, shops and leisure facilities, all within walking distance of the town centre. For more information on the application, please visit www.boroughofpoole.com/powerstation

The development is also crucial to the funding for the Twin Sails Bridge which would span onto the 13-hectare site, and the link road which would run through it. (Mon 16 Jul 07)

JIM CRONIN - MONKEY WORLD FOUNDER DIES.

Jim Cronin, the founder of Monkey World ape rescue centre, has lost his battle against liver cancer. The world- renowned primate expert died in Cabrini Medical Center, Manhattan in his native New York at the weekend, his wife and fellow conservationist Alison by his side. He was 55.

Staff at the primate sanctuary near Wool were recently told that Jim had been diagnosed with liver cancer earlier this year while travelling with his wife, but despite intensive chemotherapy treatment started a month ago, he succumbed to the disease on Saturday. Stunned colleagues and staff at Monkey World were told of his death yesterday afternoon.

It is expected that Dr Cronin - who ran the popular 67-acre rescue centre and tourist attraction with her husband since they married in the mid-90s - will return to Monkey World later this week with Jim's ashes, which are expected to be buried on the sanctuary he created and loved.

(News from Daily Echo - Tue 20 Mar 07).

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