Restoring Lorton Meadows: A Collaborative Effort (23.01.23)

Late January 2023 marked the discovery of a downed fence, captured in this image, prompting a meeting with an anonymous handyman. Together, we embarked on a journey to revitalise and maintain areas surrounding Lorton Meadows, contributing to significant improvements.

The fence was fixed on the first of the next month.

In mid-February 2023, a nearby and anonymous handyman skillfully constructed a series of steps, providing convenient access to the lower area of Lorton Meadows, leading towards the bird sanctuary.

Local Handyman Constructs Steps in Lorton Meadows (11.02.23)

Ensuring Safety: Installing a Eufy Doorbell Camera (16.02.23)

In mid-February, during a conversation with one of my neighbours, she expressed feeling unsafe at night. I offered to install a doorbell camera to enhance her security. I only charged her for the unit cost and an hour of labor. She has been satisfied with the Eufy model since then. I want to clarify that I am not affiliated with Eufy in any way, but in my opinion, they offer superior quality compared to Ring.

Click the link here to find out more.

Rocky and I stumbled upon an abandoned tent at the summit of Lorton Meadows, prompting us to report it to both Dorset Council and Dorset Wildlife Trust for removal. Unfortunately, they were unable to address it in time, and it flew away before they could intervene. Remember to put down tent guide ropes for better outcomes next time.

Discovery of Abandoned Tent at Lorton Meadows (02.03.23)

In mid-March 2023, there was quite the commotion in the meadow near Teddy Bear Woods or Horse Lynch Plantation. A resident of Preston raised the alarm about a burst water line around 6am that day. Wessex Water hit a snag accessing the site through the reservoir entrance, so they had to get their hands dirty – literally – and move a stone blocking the way. Months later, I asked them to shuffle that stone back because of aomw motocross mischief. I then played matchmaker, connecting the Wessex Water crew with the farmer who had the access code to the gate at the reservoir entrance. But, as luck would have it, they ended up stuck in the mud! Thankfully, the temporary pipe fix went swimmingly. I promptly reported it to Wessex Water, who patched up the leak. If you're a nearby resident, you might have noticed a slight dip in your water pressure during this watery month long saga.

Burst Water Line in Front of Teddy Bear Woods (19.03.23)

Lost & Found: Two Home Bargains Trolleys on My Dog Walks (09.05.23)

In my adventures during dog walks, I stumbled upon not one but two wandering Home Bargains trolleys. Concerned for their misplaced state, I promptly reported their whereabouts to home base. Here's hoping these wayward trolleys find their way back home soon!

Towards the end of the month, I encountered yet another rogue trolley loitering by Teddy Bear Woods. It got me pondering whether there's a secret society of renegade trolleys orchestrating these great escapes from Home Bargains.

Overgrown Verges and Hedges: A Thorny Issue of 2023 (03.06.23)

One of my biggest gripes in 2023 was the unruly state of the verges and hedges. It irked me to no end to hear the excuse that machinery breakdowns and delays in parts from Europe were to blame. Given that we pay some of the highest rates in the country, cut the grass already! Not only does it tidy things up, but it also reduces the risk of fire.

Restoring Order: Replacing the Stone After Wessex Water's Repairs (07.06.23)

After fixing the busted water pipe, Wessex Water left the poor Portland stone high and dry. A quick buzz on the blower, and bam! The stone was back in its natural habitat. Oh, and by the way, my pooch Rocky? Total camera hog!

Urgent Call: Rushing to Quell a Fire (09.06.23)

I received a frantic call from a friend in Preston, warning me about someone on a bike seen starting a fire. Remembering the radio warning earlier about the tinder-dry conditions, I dashed out to catch the arsonist. But they were nowhere to be found. As I raced up the hill, I heard the fire engines. Upon reaching the scene, I found the gates to the farmland open, with another fire engine arriving. The smell of smoke filled the air as I surveyed the scene captured in the pictures. I learned that the farmers were just five minutes away from baling the hay... and the result of such an evil act is evident.

Fighting for Consultation: My Six Months in Activism (13.07.23)

In 2023, I found myself deeply involved in an anti-barge campaign (No To The Barge) over in Portland. With no consultation and disregard for the residents, the arrival of Bibby Stockholm was an imposition by the Home Office and allowed by Dorset Council. This marked the first instance, and certainly not the last, where I questioned and challenged the decisions of the cabinet, predominantly run by small village councillors. If you're interested in learning more, watch the video by clicking here or the video below.

In mid-July, Mr O'Leary organised a residents' street meeting at Primula Close, which I had the opportunity to attend. The meeting proved to be quite productive, and I believe that adopting similar initiatives could be beneficial if I am elected as your future councillor.

Click here to learn more.

Productive Residents' Street Meeting at Primula Close (17.07.23)

Later that month, our resident anonymous handyman took the initiative to repair a kissing gate that had been removed by the motocross enthusiasts.

Repair of Kissing Gate by Anonymous Handyman (23.07.23)

International Spotlight on Anti-Barge Campaign (01.08.23)

My anti-barge campaign garnered attention from both international and national press, shining a spotlight on the Isle of Portland. The campaign concluded later that month in August, marking a significant event for our community. Here are a few links to interviews that were conducted.

Below are links to some of the interviews conducted during this period.

No To The Barge: Jeff Moody speaks with protesters in Portland about new migrant housing barge

Migrant barge: Campaigner vows to 'RECLAIM the voice of Portlanders'

First asylum seekers have moved to the Bibby Stockholm barge in Dorset | 5 News

Bibby Stockholm barge arrives at Portland Port in Dorset

Open letter to Dorset MPs from NO TO THE BARGE GROUP

Protestors to gather on Portland over barge concerns

Bacteria found on Bibby Stockholm barge in Dorset

A boat to stop the boats? Bibby Stockholm and the battle over asylum

A Fortunate Discovery: Returning Lost Car Keys (26.09.23)

During my dog walks with Rocky over the past year and a half, I've stumbled upon several lost items. However, one recent find stands out—a set of car keys. After discovering them, I promptly posted on the Littlemoor Residents' Group. Remarkably, within just a few hours, the keys were reunited with their rightful owner. Another good deed accomplished for the day!

Reporting a Found Bike Frame (21.11.23)

Late in November, I stumbled upon this bike frame, which I suspect was stolen. I promptly reported it to Dorset Council for collection.

Addressing Fly-Tipping After Arson Attack (27.11.23)

During an inspection of the damage caused by an arson attack on a car along Hawkweed Road in the Lodmoor Sands estate, I noticed a mess outside one of the properties. Concerned about potential fly-tipping, I promptly contacted Dorset Council.

Upon further investigation, I discovered that the mess was created by the resident themselves, who later disposed of dirty nappies and a mattress, attracting rats and badgers. Acting swiftly, I reached out to Environmental Health, who informed me that they had contacted Sage Homes, and the mess would be cleared soon.

I will provide an update with a photo once the area has been cleared.

Storm Damage: Downed Fence Panel (29.11.23)

Late November's strong winds and storms resulted in a poorly installed fence panel collapsing. Although I promptly reported the issue to Persimmon Homes, they have yet to take action to replace or repair it. Instead, they relocated the damaged panel to the rear of the Sage Homes-run flats.

I encountered a collection of illegally dumped tires, approximately half a dozen in total, near the reservoir in Littlemoor. Taking action, I reported the issue to both Dorset Council and the Dorset Wildlife Trust. The tires were subsequently removed in early January 2024.

Reporting Illegally Dumped Tires (29.11.23)

Timely Resolution: Replacement of Faulty Solar-Powered Street Light (17.12.23)

In late December, I observed a decline in one of the solar-powered street lights within the Lodmoor Sands development, which cost over £500 and operated independently of mains power. Two days later, it ceased functioning entirely. I promptly contacted Persimmon Homes, and they efficiently replaced the unit in February 2024.

I often highlight the stark comparison between a conventional four-meter steel galvanised street lamp post, which costs only £400 and typically lasts more than thirty years, and this solar-powered alternative, which lasted a mere two and a half years. It raises significant concerns about the longevity and cost-effectiveness of these solar units, particularly when considering the potential expenses involved in replacing the entire estate's units once they reach the end of their lifespan.

Addressing Reservoir Issues: Fly-Tipping Concerns (21.12.23)

As the year drew to a close, I took the initiative to address the issues surrounding the reservoir at the top of Littlemoor. My first step was to investigate the problem of fly-tipping, which included the dumping of several tonnes of soil.

Click here to see what is going on in 2024.