COUNCILLORS upset about reports of problems at Poole’s Canford Heath estate have hailed a new initiative aimed at drawing the community together.

The Canford Heath Network will record details of groups and organisations currently operating in the area. The official launch of the project comes just months after residents attended a meeting to discuss their concerns about persistent anti-social behaviour on the heath.

Poole mayor Sean Gabriel said: “The behaviour reported has reduced massively recently.

“A lot of young people were involved, but only two or three came from the heath. The others were from all over the conurbation, including as far away as Purbeck.

“There’s so much good going on in Canford Heath. We’ve got 103 community groups, which is more than there are in Broadstone. That’s something we’re very proud of.

“There are a lot of people who have lived here for a long time and this is a real community.”

The network was established by the Association of Residents of Canford Heath (ARCH).

At a recent meeting, supported by MP Michael Tomlinson, attendees contributed ideas about how the scheme might develop.

Suggestions included ‘speed dating’-style networking events and exploring ways to make groups more dementia-friendly.

Speaking on behalf of ARCH, Hannah Porter said: “It’s still early days but the enthusiasm and conversations that flowed at the first meeting are encouraging to say the least. Canford Heath is welcoming and open for business.”

Cllr Sandra Moore, who represents and lives in Canford Heath East, said she had been upset to read articles about her home in the Daily Echo.

“The community here is incredible,” she said.

“I moved here 20 years ago and one of the reasons for that is because everyone is so welcoming. People are always happy to help each other.”

She said the area’s recent problems are now under control.

“Some of the kids involved were being bussed in. They were arriving from all over.

“However, it isn’t a problem any more - there haven’t been issues like that in a while.”

Mr Tomlinson, who called August’s meeting about anti-social behaviour, said: “It has been a difficult summer for residents, but people really love living in Canford Heath and there’s a great community there.”

For more information on the network, or to get involved, email canfordheathnetwork@gmail.com