The Liberal Democrat-led council is proposing an unprecedented hike of 7.4 per cent.
Vikki Slade, the MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, has responded to plans for a ban currently making its way through Parliament.
Ferndown’s Phoenix Musical Theatre is staging a concert at The Barrington Centre to mark its 40th anniversary.
Dorset Police ask that anyone with information about criminal activity should report it to their local force online or call 101.
Eight fire stations have been identified for closure, with the fire authority meeting on 10 February to discuss the proposals.
There was an increase in animal accidents in the New Forest National Park in 2025, with a total of 108 recorded.
The Dorset History Centre in Dorchester is the archives service and local studies library for Bournemouth, Christchurch, Dorset and Poole.
‘The Rise and Fall of Little Voice’ will be brought to the stage at The Barrington Theatre from 25 March until 28 March.
It is believed that a number of people were in Meadowbrook Produce at the time, and police are hoping they will come forward with information.
Police want to establish the circumstances of the incident and are appealing for any witnesses or motorists with dashcam footage.
The annual Shake & Stir event has now been officially recognised and approved as an Armed Forces Day event.
A hairdresser from Ringwood is offering free haircuts to people in financial crisis, and the project has expanded to Ferndown.
The new limits on Sandy Lane and Victory Oak in St Leonards and St Ives will be operational before Easter this year.
The superstore will move from Westover Retail Park to new premises at Knighton Heath Industrial Estate on 28 February.
The soft play area at The Treehouse in Merritown Lane will be open to adults on 6 February from 7pm to 10pm.
Authors from all over the country descended on Bournemouth for the annual Dunford Novelists’ Conference on 16–18 January.
The John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation will be once again helping local young people to achieve their dreams and ambitions.
The incident took place at 7.15am on Sunday 17 January and members of the public who intervened are being asked to contact the police.
Co.Mad has a very different take on the tale of Cinderella for its pantomime at Colehill Village Hall this year.
Small rural businesses play a vital role in Dorset’s economy and community life, explains Wessex Internet.
Items include knives, tobacco, vapes, alcohol, solvents, fireworks, petrol, and age-rated movies and computer games.
From the writers of ‘Birds of a Feather’ and ‘Goodnight Sweetheart’, this play will be staged at the Tivoli from 19 to 21 February.
Zoe Treadwell and Jonjay Harrison will be behind bars for more than 30 years following the deliberate collisions in 2025.
The event organised by Forest Holme Hospice Charity takes place from 6pm on Friday 17 April, starting at Branksome Dene Chine.
More arrests were made during the recent Christmas and New Year campaign, with the majority of offenders being male.
Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s disability charity, collected and recycled 2,488 Christmas trees from the local Dorset and Hampshire community.
A popular music festival in Highcliffe will go ahead this year, after scaling back its plans for expansion due to objections by residents.
The application came before the planning committee for a second time, with the vote once more being in favour of the Aldi application.
Broadstone Players are presenting ‘Deckchairs’ in Broadstone War Memorial Hall theatre from 24 to 28 February.
Roads, care and jobs funding are included in the council’s budget for the coming year, with a Council Tax rise of 4.99 per cent.
The collision happened on 5 January opposite the Popworld nightclub in Old Christchurch Road, and the man in his 20s died on 12 January.
A man has been arrested and released on police bail, but officers are still appealing for witnesses to the collision.
Ferndown hound Tricky was chosen as ‘Miss October’ for the Humane Research Trust’s annual calendar.
Three young neurodiverse adults will be offered support from six months to three years at a shared home in the town.
A photo gallery in Moors Valley ‘Amphibians Are Friends — A Tale of Toad Patrol’ officially launches at 11am on Valentine’s Day, 14 February.
The writing competition is open to children in Dorset who are invited to create stories and poems about man’s best friend.
New government ratings reveal how well local authorities are tackling potholes and investing taxpayers’ money.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council plans to invest £1.8 million into Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre to create two brand-new purpose-built studios.
Sponsored by Dorset View and Viewpoint Magazines, this annual event takes place at the Minster Church on Shrove Tuesday 17 February.
The Taylor brothers were racing each other in high-performance cars when they collided in Banks Road in 2023.
The ‘Message in a Bottle’ scheme is organised by Lions Clubs, and local people can take advantage of it at Ringwood Meeting House.
Maksims Pilko, who was arrested at the scene in Richmond Hill following an assault and stabbing, is now behind bars.
The New Forest Park Volunteer Fair is your chance to find out about volunteering opportunities in the area.
The Museum of East Dorset would welcome unwanted gifts for its fundraising activities throughout the year.
The organisers of Poole Goes Vintage have announced a one-year pause on the popular vintage festival.
Dorset Police are hoping for dashcam footage or witnesses to come forward following a fatality in Oakdale on Wednesday 7 January.
The Council Tax charge of 50 per cent will be increased to 100 per cent in April for huts at Mudeford Spit and Hengistbury Head.
The new service will be launched from 6 April for homes and flats which don’t yet have food waste collection.
The charity warns that being in debt to energy companies is causing older people in Dorset to feel stress and anxiety.
If you’re feeling a financial pinch after the festive holidays, why not take a free money coaching class this January?
The CEO of SAMEE, Samantha Everard, was listed in the King’s New Year Honours List for her services to people with disabilities.
Now in its fifth year, the annual Christchurch Living Advent Calendar has raised over £100,000 for local causes.
Pulford Publicity, publisher of Dorset View and Viewpoint Magazine, has announced Julia’s House as its 2026 Charity of the Year.
The Conservative MP for Christchurch Sir Christopher Chope discusses his political career on a podcast.
Dorset Police are hoping witnesses or anyone with any information about the incident in St Leonards will come forward.
Dorset Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the manner of the riding of the vehicle in the early hours of 5 January.
The man was charged with 14 offences of stealing items from Boots in Poole and Christchurch and Bookends in Christchurch.
Police are appealing for any witnesses to the incidents in Canford Heath or people with CCTV or dashcam images to come forward.
The chick was born in a nest box which was installed at the Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve Visitor Centre in 2025.
Matthew Cornick from Weymouth has been appointed events and corporate fundraiser by a charity that is, quite literally, close to his heart.
Vikki Slade, Member of Parliament for Mid Dorset and North Poole, has announced The Old Inn, Holt as the winner of her Pub of the Year competition.
Whether you’re a foodie, folkie, or simply love a celebration, 2026 promises something for everyone, with a range of festivals and host of events.
The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour will bring a night of adrenaline-packed films to venues around the UK and Ireland in 2026.
Volunteers who maintain and develop five railway stations have won 10 awards for floral and neighbourhood excellence in a regional competition.
A new eel pass has been created in the New Forest to help one of the UK’s most enigmatic and critically endangered species.
Dorchester Library & Learning Centre hosted a Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) Festive Spread on 18 December with 26 guests attending.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council and New Forest District Council are working together on a scheme.
The council’s Inclusion Tenancy Sustainment Officer helps people to work through problems to give them home security.
Numerous events and initiatives are planned for next year, including a new youth festival and sculpture trail.
The event once again proved hugely popular with crowds filling the Cornmarket and raising funds for the Minster and the mayor’s charities.
The ‘Package for Milly’ scheme, which has been launched at The Dolphin Centre, is being supported by several retailers.
Bournemouth’s traditional White Christmas Dip on 25 December will this year take place on the other side of Boscombe Pier.
Police are keen to speak to anyone who saw what happened or who has dashcam footage of the collision which took place on Friday 19 December.
Scammers are damaging cars in the area in order to buy them cheaply.
The two unitary authorities are working with Natural England on the Dorset Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Following the discovery of bird flu in several swans, measures are being taken to reduce any risk to the public.
Haskins Garden Centre has decorated Forest Holme with Christmas trees, festive decorations and twinkling lights.
The collision took place on Saturday 13 December on the B3078 near the junction of Lumber Lane in Knowlton.
A number of people were in the area on the evening of Thursday 18 December, and police are keen to speak to any witnesses.
‘Forget The Ket’ has been launched to educate young adults about the dangers of the drug, which could in the future be classified as Class A.
A popular political debate programme, presented by the BBC’s Fiona Bruce, will be broadcast live from The Barn in Ringwood on 19 February 2026.
BCP Council is not a Strategic Mayoral Authority and so it could miss out on imposing a visitor levy which was announced in the November budget.
Five pubs in Dorset are amongst those offering meals to people who would otherwise spend Christmas Day on their own.
Students from the Boat Building Academy launched four boats into Lyme Regis Harbour.
Lewis Smith, who had previously been found guilty of rape, now faces a jail sentence of five years and six months.
Patricia and Brian Furnnell, who live in Ferndown Manor care home, celebrated 70 years of marriage with a party.
Bethany Junior School pupils enjoyed food and entertainment and met Father Christmas at a party funded by Wessex Wishes.
Crews received abuse from the public both verbally and physically, and the council is determined to stamp it out.
Balaclava-clad thieves robbed a boy of his e-bike in North Road on 6 December and police are appealing for witnesses.
Local people can have their say on whether a Local Lane Rental Scheme should be implemented.
Dorset Community Foundation and Wessex Water are awarding grants totalling £70,000 to voluntary groups and charities across Dorset.
Enquiries are continuing into the collision which happened at 8.43am on Wednesday 3 December in Somerford Road.
In addition to three new Hubs, the programme for three-to-four-year-olds will be extended into Wimborne and Ferndown.
The collision took place on Monday 15 December in Canford Heath Road, near to the junction with Plantation Road, and witnesses are sought.
Dorset Police arrested four men and stopped an illegal procession that planned to “fight against Dorset Police”.
On 14 December, Pulford Publicity sponsored the evening of entertainment to the tune of £650.
Nursery school children joined forces with care home residents to make decorations from past Christmases.
Following the sad death of two people, Dorset Police is appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage.
Dorset Police is appealing for witnesses to this fatal collision in Knowlton or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.
Dorset Council is to improve walking and cycling journeys, but motorists need to allow extra time for their journeys during the works.
The company’s Come Rain or Shine campaign continues, and a range of free water-saving devices are offered.
Dorset Police are seeking information following the discovery of the body of a woman in Higher Blandford Road.
The Air Ambulances UK Awards of Excellence took place on 3 December with two members of DSAA winning awards.
Dorset Police are hoping victims will come forward to take part in the survey in order to improve services to victims.
Hall & Woodhouse continues to donate a percentage of bar profits from local events to charities and local causes.
A detailed and extensive investigation led to Martin Hancill being sent to prison for 10 years and being placed on the sex offenders’ register.
The Allendale Centre in Wimborne has received a grant of £5,500 from the Digby Charity.
Emily Moore from The Brow Haus and Co came third in an international competition in 2025.
Fairlawn Care Home residents enjoy hearing children read such books as ‘Mr Men’ and ‘Funnybones’.
The authority has been given a level 3 rating by Active Travel England in recognition of travel improvements across the conurbation.
Nicole Bateman received the award for the achievements of her business, The Friendly SEND Advisor.
The Mayor and the Sheriff of Poole joined members of the community at St James’s Church to remember loved ones.
An immersive digital installation depicting an underwater world will be in the Changing Exhibitions space until Sunday 26 January.
The Neighbourhood Plan Vision and Aims Survey has been launched, and local people have until 7 January to put forward their views.
Dorset Council welcomes additional funding for services but argues that other authorities in the south receive more.
The parade on Saturday 6 December featured motorbikes, floats, schoolchildren and, of course, Santa.
Since retiring from Dorset View, Janine Pulford has gone into print again. ‘Paws in the Flood’, her dog detective novel, was released on 5 December.
There are changes to collection days in the BCP Council area from Christmas Day right through to Saturday 17 January 2026.
The club’s annual Presentation Evening took place at the Wimborne Town Football Club on Friday 5 December.
The B3082 Blandford Road was closed overnight following the fatal collision on Sunday 7 December and witnesses are sought.
Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Councils want elections in 2027.
A popular community Christmas event is back after being cancelled at the late notice in 2024.
Zoe Treadwell was found guilty of murder and Jonjay Harrison of attempted murder after 33 hours of deliberations by the jury.
BCP Council has revealed how much residents of Broadstone, Poole & Bournemouth will have to pay for new town councils.
To put forward your views on licensing in the Dorset Council area, take part in a survey by 11 January 2026.
Christchurch Food Festival Education Trust will no longer provide cookery workshops but instead offer cash grants.
Wimborne Minster High Street was covered in rubbish to prevent a fire breaking out in a council bin lorry.
A variety of drugs including cannabis plants were seized in a collaboration between the South West’s five police forces.
The service has lots of good advice to ensure that people remain safe over the Christmas and New Year period.
Hundreds attended the annual Christmas Pull-a-Pine festival at RSPB Arne on Saturday 29 November.
Several car parks in the town will be offering free parking on 6 and 13 December to enable people to enjoy events such as Carols in the Square.
Patients of the Royal Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch hospitals have a new way to manage appointments this December.
People with names such as Noel, Holly, Ivy or Carol can claim a free box of mince pies at stores on selected days.
The authority is set to spend £1.4 million to help bolster the stability of around 15.5 miles of sea cliffs.
Dorset Community Foundation and BCP Council are providing grants to 23 organisations across Dorset for projects running until the end of March.
Citizens Advice East Dorset & Purbeck stops at 10 locations across the region and needs volunteers.
‘Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs – Babe in the Hood’ will be staged at Lytchett Matravers Village Hall in January.
The annual festive event saw the town turn into a festive theme park with funfair rides, games and music.
Douch Family Funeral Directors are the new shirt sponsor for an over-60s waking football team.
The Christmas lights switch on by Ferndown Mayor Lawrence Wilson took place in the town on Saturday, 29 November.
More people than ever crowded into Wimborne for the switching on of the town’s lights and a feast of entertainment.
Communities are being asked to help the police by reporting people they suspect of being over the limit or who have taken drugs.
In the run up to Christmas, Dorset Council is permitting free parking on certain dates in its car parks to help shoppers.
Dorset Police has identified four vehicles that were in the vicinity and hopes the drivers will come forward with more information.
James Hammett was the only Martyr buried in Dorset, and the anniversary of his death was recognised with a floral tribute.
The annual Original Music Awards Dorset will take place at The Marsham Court Hotel in Bournemouth on 17 January 2026.
‘A Match Made in Wimborne’ is a short film showcasing Wimborne businesses interwoven with a romantic story.
Choirs from local schools performed at the mayor of Wimborne Minster’s charity brunch held at the Olive Branch.
The victim, who received support from The Shores Sexual Assault Referral Centre, reported the attack by Alexandru Emilian Muresan.
Several towns and village will host Christmas events this weekend to celebrate the start of the festive season.
Retired teacher and musician Andrew Mark Duxbury’s poem was chosen out of around 246 other entries for the prize.
Ringwood and Poulner Toad Patrol has issued a call for new volunteers to help protect the area’s amphibians.
STARS Dorset has refreshed its outdoor space after receiving a £1,000 grant from British sweet maker Swizzels.
Two of Wimborne’s longest-running independent family-run businesses, Holmans and Dacombes, have announced a merger.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveiled the government’s new budget yesterday, and Dorset Chamber has some thoughts.
The Investigation of the Year award followed the murder of Amie Gray and attempted murder of Leanne Miles in 2024.
Violinist Jack Maguire founded Boscombe Youth Fiddle Orchestra, originally the Coda Fiddle Orchestra in 2004.
Anyone with dashcam footage or who witnessed this collision on Monday 24 November is asked to contact police.
Residents of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole can take part in a survey to give their views on council spending.
It’s not too late to book your flu vaccine if you are eligible, as incidences of the virus are on the rise across the county.
Elderly people in towns across the county have been targeted by fraudsters claiming they are calling from the police.
Lloyds customers living in Ferndown can get support fortnightly by visiting their local library.
A festive story trail and a new art exhibition are amongst the attractions at this event which runs from 5 to 23 December.
Ferndown Community Support’s annual Christmas event raised funds to provide wrapped gifts and essentials to children in need this season.
Join the Great Christmas Pudding Stir at the Museum of East Dorset on Saturday 13 December, the day of the Christmas parade.
Local people are invited to a 1950s-themed party which is being held at Ferndown Manor on Golf Links Road.
A Celebration of Landscape and Dorset Art is being held at Church House in Wimborne Minster until 4 December.
Saturday 29 November is the day when Christmas really comes to the town, with a wide range of entertainment and the lights switch-on event.
A total of 29 vehicles were seized in an operation carried out by officers from the Dorset Police Roads Policing Team.
Dorset Council has launched its ‘Give the Greatest Gift’ campaign to encourage people to become foster carers.
Colin Shields broke into a house in Watcombe Road and stole cash and jewellery boxes containing sentimental pieces.
Residents have complained about missed bin collections, but it appears that things are improving each week.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council is inviting people to come up with quirky names for their gritters.
The company has lots of good advice for people to protect their homes against burst pipes during this cold weather.
Anyone who witnessed this incident which took place in the early hours of Thursday 6 November on Ashley Road should contact the police.
Wimborne BID is hoping people will support the town by shopping locally on Small Business Saturday on 6 December.
The aim of the week from Monday 10 to Sunday 16 November was to help tackle retail crime across the county.
Dorset Wildlife Trust has a variety of ideas for the people who would prefer to give or receive an eco-friendly gift.
The council feels that, at present, Dorset doesn’t receive sufficient funding for such a rural county with a high population of older residents.
The Force has moved into the top quarter of all forces for a positive outcome rate. It wants people to do their bit to avoid being burgled.
Residents of Ferndown were surprised to find Tesco Christmas lights hung up along the pedestrianised shopping street of Pennys Walk.
There will be a huge amount of events in the town on Sunday 30 November, organised by Ringwood Town Council.
As part of the initiative by Hall & Woodhouse, more than £33,000 has been donated to Lewis-Manning Hospice Care.
As part of Fuel Poverty Awareness Day, events will take place in Ferndown, Blandford, Weymouth, Dorchester and Bridport.
Dorset Police are hoping that the campaign will bring home to people the dangers of knife crime as well as persuading people to hand them in.
Ferndown Community Support has been given a prestigious award: The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
The public survey for the Local Plan and Local Transport Plan have received more than 10,000 responses, a record number.
Jessica Toale, Labour MP for Bournemouth West, has welcomed plans to abolish the role of Police and Crime Commissioners by 2028.
Vikki Slade MP has backed the Liberal Democrats’ call for an emergency 17-month five per cent VAT cut to save the hospitality sector.
Bournemouth’s creative scene was celebrated in late October at the Raw Wall Collective’s latest exhibition.
The government has announced it is scrapping Police and Crime Commissioners. Dorset’s PCC David Sidwick has responded.
‘Know your rights, use your rights’ is the theme of this year’s Carers Rights Day, which takes place on Thursday 20 November.
Right across the conurbation, towns are offering a huge variety of Christmas events for people of all ages.
October and the beginning of November were mild, but forecasters say colder weather is heading our way next week.
Candelabra Coral, which resembles a candelabra, has been spotted in several areas for the first time ever.
West Moors Town Council has revealed the winners of its first seasonal photography competition.
Dr Helen Medical offers appointments seven days a week and free on-site parking.
The booking system will now be introduced in Wimborne, Dorchester, Shaftesbury and Sherborne in 2026, instead of this year.
Little ones will be welcomed to the Museum of East Dorset to meet Father Christmas, with a special day planned for SEND children.
The New Forest National Park Authority achieved a ‘B’ rating in its first year of reporting under the United Nations Race to Zero initiative.
Diverse Abilities’ The Big Give Christmas Challenge will enable the charity to raise thousands of pounds in one week.
Police are keen to receive any dashcam footage and to speak to anyone who witnessed the manner of driving of the vehicle.
