POSITIVE ABOUT POOLE
Positive Voices Finding Practical Solutions for Our Town
Dear Constituent,
In September 2025, I held my first Positive about Poole conference, which brought together a variety of local organisations to discuss how we could make Poole a better place to live, work, and relax.
As an MP, I often get asked: “What are you going to do for Poole?” My answer is simple - on my own, I can’t do very much, but together we can make things happen. I see it as my job to bring people together and facilitate positive discussion. This conference was part of that process of bringing together key players in our town to help shape the future of Poole.
During the conference, we discussed a wide range of issues - from local economy and job opportunities, to protecting our environment and supporting community initiatives. From these discussions, I compiled a list of recommendations, which you can find below.
I want to make sure that every resident in Poole feels that their voice is heard and that their MP is representing their interests. That’s why I’ve decided to create a poll, which allows Poole constituents to tell me what your priorities are, and how I can best represent your interests locally and in Parliament. The results of this poll which shape my priorities as your MP moving forward.
On this page, you will find a summary of the issues raised at the conference, including job opportunities, support for local businesses, protecting our local environment, funding community initiatives, and much more. At the bottom of this page, you will find more information about the recommendations, and how to get involved.
Since being elected in July 2024, I have tried to change the narrative about what an MP can do, by being accessible, visible, and active. An important part of this is engaging with constituents, hearing your views, and creating more opportunities for local democratic participation at a local level. This poll will give constituents the opportunity to be heard and shape my future work as Poole’s MP.
In my view, it’s a sense of pride in the place where we live that ties all of this together. Poole has a strong local identity and proud history, and we all want to celebrate that. Having pride in our town gives us the drive to redirect our energy back into Poole and make it a better place for us all. We all want to make it work, for everyone.
Neil Duncan-Jordan MP
Member of Parliament for Poole
WHAT MAKES A THRIVING LOCAL ECONOMY?
What makes a town economically resilient, socially vibrant, and capable of adapting to change?
At the conference, we heard from experts, who agreed that a thriving local economy depends on more than just business growth. It relies on a balance of strong local industries, independent enterprises, and the people who keep them running. Economic strength starts with people. When we have the right training and opportunities, we are more able to contribute to and benefit from local success. For our local economy to grow in a way that benefits the whole community, we need skills development education and fair access to work.
Our panelists also agreed that Poole’s town centre is changing. As traditional retail continues its steady decline, we need to rethink the high street and what it stands for - community, not consumerism.
Recent projects like Kingland have shown that, with the right support, small businesses and new ideas can bring energy back into the heart of Poole. Rejuvenation takes collaboration, investment, and a shared vision. The challenge is to keep momentum going and continue to create an economy that reflects our town’s identity and potential.
Related Recommendations:
3 - Greater Funding for Youth Services
5 - Improved Roadwork Management to Address Congestion Issues
6 - Investigate the Feasibility of a Commuter Ferry Service around the BCP Conurbation
8 - Developing Sustainable Funding for Community Projects
9 - Promote Local Green Businesses within the Renewable Energy Sector
10 - Further Government Action to Improve Water Quality for all Water Users
HOW CAN WE MEET THE NEEDS OF THE POPULATION?
Community initiatives take pressure off public services, strengthen local connections, and reinvigorate local pride.
In this session, we were joined by representatives of local organisations who spoke about the main issues facing people in Poole, and how we can take positive action to tackle these issues. Panelists agreed that a joined up approach to services is needed in order to meet the needs of people in Poole. This means that organisations from all sectors need to work together to assess the needs of local people and provide a tailored response.
Importantly, this means working together towards a culture of long term planning, focused on prevention rather than reaction, and having a common language everyone can understand. Those in positions of power must also fulfil their important role of bringing people and organisations together to discuss and enact positive change.
Related Recommendations:
1 - Regeneration of Poole High Street
3 - Greater Funding for Youth Services
4 - Promoting Poole’s History and Civic Identity
7 - Redevelopment of the area around Poole Station
9 - Promote Local Green Businesses within the Renewable Energy Sector
WHY IS PLACE IMPORTANT?
Our connection to place shapes who we are, how we live, and the ways in which we support each other.
We heard from local experts on why local green and blue spaces play a key role in our wellbeing, resilience, and community connection. Our panelists agreed that, when given the tools, trust, and space to lead, local communities are capable of creating meaningful transformation - not just for themselves, but for Poole as a whole.
Economic strength and community resilience cannot be separated from the environment that surrounds them. For Poole, our environment is a defining feature that makes our town unique and sets us apart from other small towns. From the harbour and heatherlands to community gardens and green spaces - the environment plays a huge role in people’s everyday lives as a source of wellbeing, connection, and economic value.
Whether through formal projects or everyday interaction with the landscape, Poole’s green and blue spaces are central to its wellbeing and should be treated as essential assets in any plans for the future.
Related Recommendations:
2 - More Affordable Housing
3 - Greater Funding for Youth Services
8 - Developing Sustainable Funding for Community Projects
RECOMMENDATIONS
Below is a list of recommendations, compiled using suggestions, ideas, and feedback from the conference. This list does not cover every aspect of the discussion, but if offers a taste of what local businesses, public sector organisations, and community groups think we need.
Regeneration of Poole High Street
More Affordable Housing
Greater Funding for Youth Services
Promoting Poole’s History and Civic Identity
Improved Roadwork Management to Address Congestion Issues
Investigate the Feasibility of a Commuter Ferry Service around the BCP Conurbation
Redevelopment of the area around Poole Bus Station
Developing Sustainable Funding for Community Projects
Promote Local Green Businesses within the Renewable Energy Sector
Further Government Action to Improve Water Quality for all Water Users
What Next?
I want to know what issues are most important to residents in Poole. That’s why I’ve created this poll, which allows Poole constituents to vote on their priorities for our town. The results of this poll will shape my future work as your MP. Not everything will be immediately possible, but I think it’s important to start the process.
As well as the online voting platform linked below, I will also be holding a number of events in Poole to speak to constituents about the poll. Keep an eye on my social media pages for more information. If you are unable to complete the online form, come along to one of my events to fill in a paper form, or contact my office to request a paper copy.
In order to participate in the poll, you must live in the Poole constituency. If you’re unsure which constituency you live in, you can check here: Find your MP - MPs and Lords - UK Parliament. You must also be at least 16 to participate. The poll closes on 30th April 2026.