Multi-agency water-based patrols will be taking place to target anti-social and irresponsible behaviour in Poole Harbour and along beaches in Bournemouth and Christchurch into Christchurch Harbour.
Scott Parker has been appointed as the new head coach at AFC Bournemouth
A man has been arrested following a reported assault on a woman on Seaview Road in Poole
Three new modern family homes have been developed by BCP Council’s housing delivery team at a former garage site in Ibbertson Way, Strouden Park, Bournemouth
A former SAS sergeant who was the youngest member of the elite regiment when he passed selection is going on ‘the world’s worst ever book signing tour’ to promote his debut novel
Future regeneration plans for Boscombe took centre stage in a visit this weekend by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Robert Jenrick MP
Rising stars of the golfing world have gamechanging legal backing in the bag following a new deal with Ellis Jones Solicitors.
The Festival Coast Live! outdoor pop-up entertainment and activity programme kicks off this Saturday
A man in his 20s who was cycling on Charminster Road is in a critical condition after being involved in a collision
Dorset Police has introduced a number of improvements to transform the way it responds to and supports victims of domestic abuse
Officers investigating an assault on a member of staff at a restaurant in Bournemouth are issuing a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to
A photo has been issued of the suspect wanted in the investigation surrounding a bike theft from Poole bus station.
James Blunt’s gig at the BIC has been rescheduled to July 22nd following the extension of the coronavirus restrictions
Officers investigating a fail-to-stop collision in Bournemouth are appealing for anyone with relevant dashcam or CCTV footage to come forward.
More overnight and weekend closures are coming to Wallisdown Road as part of major improvements for the area
Games, prizes, training and bike servicing will all be on offer at the BCP Seafront Rangers Cycle Awareness Day on Saturday 26 June at the Pier Approach, Bournemouth
Poole Housing Partnership is asking residents to choose a new street name for the twenty-two new homes which are due to be built on the former Cynthia House sheltered site in Parkstone
A man has indecently exposed himself to two teenage girls in Redhill Park at the weekend.
Three teenagers have been jailed following a knifepoint robbery in Bournemouth town centre.
New dates have been announced for some upcoming events at Upton Country Park
A man has been arrested and a woman has sustained minor injuries following an incident in Christchurch.
Four senior level positions have been appointed at BCP Council subject to approval.
A new route from Bournemouth Airport to Liverpool will launch on July 10th as part of 12 new routes offered by easyJet.
Officers investigating an incident where a woman was bitten by a dog in Christchurch have issued images of two people they would like to speak to.
Cllr Rebecca Knox has been re-elected as Chair of the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority
Officers carrying out enquiries to locate a missing teenager who was last seen in Bournemouth are appealing for information from the public to help find her.
Two teenagers from Bournemouth have been arrested following reports of a robbery in Poole on Tuesday afternoon.
Dorset Police is reminding drivers and passengers to belt up this month as officers continue to tackle seat belt offences throughout June as part of a national seat belt safety campaign.
Detectives investigating a report of sexual assault in Bournemouth town centre are appealing for information and are looking for a man they would like to speak to as part of their enquiries.
A tender to make the Poole Park Railway better following improvements to the track and engine shed being made later this year has been published.
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is now recruiting for its upcoming Prince’s Trust Achieve programme.
Objections ranging from exploiting children to promoting car use have been received by BCP Council after a planning application for a new McDonald’s was submitted for a retail park in Christchurch.
Around 3500 Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole residents will soon be receiving a questionnaire for the National Highways & Transport Public Satisfaction Survey.
£5.1million is available for council reserves in 2021/22 thanks to both early reprioritisation by the council and grants of over £43million from central government.
It’s now available to mitigate against both lost income and increased costs as a result of the pandemic.
Cllr Drew Mellor, Leader of BCP Council, said, “We were predicting an overspend of tens of millions of pounds last summer. This is a huge turnaround, largely thanks to the government delivering on its commitment to support local authorities to recover the costs of a swift and comprehensive response to the pandemic. Government recognised a local response was essential to protect communities and support businesses and has made funding available to recompense us for that effort and expenditure, as promised.”
Last summer, faced with huge loss of income from the forced closure of the council’s car parks, leisure attractions and food concessions the council was facing a predicted £53million shortfall. Through a stringent and proactive financial management strategy and working closely with central government, the overspend was turned round into a £5million surplus.
The full extent of the huge changes and variations to the 2020/21 budget, compared to that set in February 2020, can be seen in the report detailing the year-end outturn, for consideration by Overview and Scrutiny Board on 14 June, and Cabinet on 23 June.
At the same meeting, members will receive the proposed financial strategy supporting the development of the 2022/23 budget including options developed by comparing the council with similar sized authorities. This includes the opportunity to create £212million of headroom for the council to invest in key priorities over and above those already supported through the medium-term financial plan, alongside plans to balance this by increasing the councils unearmarked reserves.
Cllr Mellor continued: “We are already managing our funding streams well but are borrowing significantly less than similar councils. We’re using prudential borrowing to provide a £50 million Futures Fund for creating a world class city region, stepping up regeneration, place-based leadership and restoring a sense of pride; and a £10million Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) allocation, to support the Dedicated Schools Grant (High Needs Block). Our Big Plan reflects the scale of ambition for the area and articulates our vision with key regional and sub-regional partners and with government.
“To back our ambitious plans to create a world class city region and the best place in the UK to live, work and play, the government will support us to invest over £200m in the area. It should be emphasised that any such investment will only be approved if supported by robust businesses cases and will position the council’s debt at the mid-point compared to all upper tier authorities.”
Cllr Mike Greene, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability added: “When we took on the Council’s leadership, we immediately reversed the £240k cut made by the previous administration to this year’s Climate Action budget. It is now clear that if we are to be true to our word in signing up to the climate emergency then that amount doesn’t go anywhere near far enough. So, we are doubling the amount this year, with a further £240k going into the Climate Action budget; and this £480k for 2021/22 is just the beginning. Over the next few months, I hope to be bringing forward proposals for significant further investment in this vital area. We are proving that the climate debate isn’t a binary choice between helping the environment and the helping economy: we will do both.”
The papers for the meeting can be found on the council’s website.
The UHD theatres team and Poole Hospital volunteer Andy Byers came away triumphant from this year’s Dorset Hero for their work during the pandemic.
The ceremony, which took place virtually on 9 June, recognised heroes from across Dorset for their achievements and actions in the last 12 months.
The UHD theatres team, which includes staff at both the Royal Bournemouth and Poole Hospital sites, took home the healthcare team award.
Will Blackman, matron for theatres, said: “The team worked tirelessly through the pandemic supporting our intensive care unit (ICU) for over a year. “With no ICU experience they soldiered on providing excellent patient care while still continuing emergency surgery cover, ensuring patients received life saving treatment.
“They relocated and adapted across our sites, supporting all the wards in their greatest time of need. They truly deserve this recognition and I am very proud of them all.”
Andy Byers, Poole Hospital volunteer, won the 999 award for his work voluntarily supporting the emergency services. Andy averaged 15,000 steps per shift in 2020 as he cleaned high touch points at Poole Hospital, directed patients and looked after the North Entrance.
Andy explained: “I retired at the start of 2020, but when the pandemic hit I knew I wanted to help. I was in the military so could predict how distressing and exhausting it would be for the NHS staff. “I’ve been volunteering both at Poole Hospital and at the BIC vaccine centre, and when the Captain Tom 100 challenge was announced I decided I wanted to complete 100 voluntary shifts in his honour, and I’m about halfway there. I don’t think of myself as a hero, I’m just a firm believer that you should give back what you take, and I have had help with my own health from the team at UHD plenty of times.”
Individuals and teams from across UHD were shortlisted for the awards, including teams from the intensive care unit and Forest Holme hospice; intensive care consultant Michelle Scott; healthcare support worker Rafael Granada-Rafales; matron Minnie Klepacz; and governor Michele Whitehurst.
Improvements to public realm and facilities have been unveiled at Shore Road with the creation of a plaza with new seating and improved signage.
A new beach office, watersports centre, and extended catering kiosk, along with modernised beach huts have refreshed the area.
Refurbished toilets, showers and a new family changing area mean that visitors will find all the facilities they need conveniently placed on arrival at this heart of this popular and iconic beach.
The area is softened by natural planting of coastal grasses and flowers in new beds at the entrance to the promenade and stone benches invite you to enjoy the view.
Councillor Mohan Iyengar said: “The improvements to the plaza here are fitting for such a great location, and we’re delighted to welcome a new watersports concession; Easy Riders for their first season in the brand-new facility. This project at Shore Road is just one of many improvements from our ongoing plan to ensure we continue to invest in our world-class seafront across the whole of the BCP Council area.”
Nikki Parker-Goadsby, Dorset Coast Forum said: “Dorset Coast Forum are delighted to have been involved in the community engagement and coordination of the Coastal Community Funding (CCF) for the public realm improvements at such a prestigious and popular location on the Dorset Coast.”
Andy Gratwick owner of Easy Riders said: “We are delighted to have been chosen to take on the new facility at Shore Road. Having taught watersports here since 1993 we know the environment and conditions well. We are looking forward to introducing more people into watersports safely and progressing the sports we offer making shore road one of the premier venues nationally for watersports.
A consistent enforcement approach to improve public safety in communities across the majority of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is being proposed.
Councillors at Cabinet (23 June 2021) will consider a report that outlines plans to introduce a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) covering most of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole areas to help reduce persistent issues of anti-social behaviour (ASB) in targeted areas across the towns.
The proposed approach follows public consultation completed early in the year and of the 294 responses received, 89 per cent strongly agreed or agreed that community safety should be improved with the introduction of the order which would mean a consistent approach can be taken in dealing with alcohol related anti-social behaviour in areas where there is evidence of persistent issues which are having a continued negative impact on the local community.
The effects of street-based anti-social behaviour can have a visible impact on the appearance of, and feelings of safety in our local community. PSPOs are intended to deal with anti-social behaviour issues in a specific area that is detrimental to the local community’s quality of life. They are intended to help ensure that the law-abiding majority can use and enjoy public spaces safe from anti-social behaviour.
Councillor May Haines, Portfolio holder for Community Safety, BCP Council said: “We want to ensure that people visiting, living and working in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole feel safe and that street based anti-social behaviour is addressed robustly. We also need to make sure we take a consistent and balanced approach, applying effective solutions to the complex issues around anti-social behaviour.
“We’ve seen from the operation of Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) in our town centres that this approach is effective at addressing harmful behaviours of a few individuals through the combination of support and enforcement, helping those most vulnerable and helping keep our communities safe.”
The PSPO gives powers to accredited Community Safety Officers and Police to remove alcohol from anyone behaving in an anti-social manner in public spaces. It is not an alcohol ban for public spaces and it does not make it an offence to drink alcohol in the area covered by the order. However, it is an offence to fail to comply with a request from an officer to cease drinking or surrender alcohol in the area covered by the order, if the individual is or is likely to cause anti-social behaviour.
Subject to approval, the PSPO would be in place for 1 July 2021 and will cover 33 out of 29 wards across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole where there is evidence of persistent street-based anti-social behaviour.
The PSPO will be reviewed after three years.
A woman in her 40s from Poole is recovering after being approached from behind by a man on Princess Road and dragged into the park.
It is reported that a second man held the victim down, but the men were disturbed by a loud noise from a car and ran away from the scene.
A brown suede handbag was stolen, which included a purse, bank card, cash and a pair of sunglasses.
The victim sustained injuries to her face and chest during the incident. Her injuries are not believed to be serious.
It happened at around 8pm on Wednesday 2 June 2021 and officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
Police Constable Sarah Hodgson, of the Priority Crime Team, said: “This was a very frightening incident for the victim and we take reports of violence of this nature very seriously.
“I am appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed what happened, or any motorists who were in the vicinity and may have captured anything of relevance on dashcam, to please get in touch.
“I would also urge anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity involving two men around the relevant time or leading up to the incident to come forward.
“Finally, I would like to hear from anyone who may have located any of the stolen property discarded in the nearby area.
“Officers will be carrying out patrols over the coming days and can be approached by members of the community with any concerns.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210087592. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call freephone 0800 555 111.
A collision between an ambulance on blue lights and a car in Christchurch resulted in multiple serious injuries for the drivers and passengers.
The incident closed part of Barrack Road on Thursday evening to allow emergency services to deal with the incident just after 8.30pm.
Substantial damage was created by the ambulance which hit the traffic lights and railing in the middle of the road at the junction with Stour Road.
Dorset Police was called at 8.34pm, who attended along with the fire and ambulance services. The road reopened around 11.35pm.
The driver of the ambulance sustained minor injuries and a passenger sustained serious injuries. The driver of the car sustained serious injuries.
20:45 a crew from @DWFRSXchurch attended a road traffic collision on Barrack Road. The crew assisted @dorsetpolice and @swasFT with scene safety and casualty care.
— DWFireControl (@DWFireControl) June 3, 2021
A female pedestrian has suffered serious head injuries after an incident on Castle Lane East.
The woman was taken to Poole Hospital for treatment. Her injuries are described as serious but not life-threatening.
Police received reports of a collision involving a grey Hyundai Amica and a pedestrian on Castle Lane East at the junction with the A338 Wessex Way.
The driver of the Hyundai was uninjured.
The incident happened shortly before 4pm on Wednesday afternoon and officers are asking for any witnesses to come forward. Castle Lane East was closed for a short time.
Police Sergeant Lee Savage, of the traffic unit, said: “An investigation is underway to establish the full circumstances of this collision.
“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident, or captured anything relevant on dashcam, and has not yet spoken to officers to please contact Dorset Police.
“I would like to thank motorists for their patience and understanding while we responded to the incident. The road closures were absolutely necessary to enable emergency services to deal with the scene safely.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police via email at scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 2:570.
Residents from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole who look after or support a relative, friend or neighbour and are unpaid will be celebrated during Carers Week for the contribution they make to their community.
They will also be encouraged to reach out for support and advice.
The theme of this year’s campaign is to Make Caring Visible and Valued, raising awareness of caring, highlighting the challenges unpaid carers face, and to encourage those who don’t think of themselves as carers to access much-needed support.
This year, carers are continuing to face new challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people are taking on more caring responsibilities for their relatives and friends who are disabled, ill or older and who need support, and may have felt isolated.
Following the lifting of national restrictions, BCP Council will be working with partners to coordinate a local Carers Week of activities later in the summer, where there will be opportunities for carers to access a range of face-to-face support and social events.
Carers in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole can access a dedicated Carer Support Service called CRISP (Carers Resource Information Support Programme) which is free and available all year round to carers of all ages. The service provides ongoing support and information as well as offering access to a friendly community of other local unpaid carers. Carers can access all of this by emailing CRISP: carersupport@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
Support is also available for young carers aged under 18, who can contact BCP Council’s Early Help Team at ehap@bcpcouncil.gov.uk or by calling 01202 262626.
Councillor Karen Rampton, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health, BCP Council said: “Caring for a loved one can be very isolating and lonely at times, so it is important that carers are recognised for the important help they are providing, and given access to information, help and support during this challenging time. I would like to acknowledge and thank all those who have been providing care and support to loved ones throughout the last year of unprecedented challenges and uncertainty for their commitment and dedication – your efforts have helped us immeasurably in responding to the Covid crisis.
“We are looking forward to being able to offer a wider range of activities later this summer to thank all our carers for the wonderful contribution they have made their community, especially during the Covid-19 crisis.”
A local carer said: “I often feel overwhelmed and isolated especially during the lockdowns. The CRISP group helps to remind me that many other carers are in the same position.
“The zoom meetings have been a really enjoyable way to have some special time to relax and think of other things. The positive side of being able to try new experiences in the comfort and privacy of your own home is an added bonus.
“Thank you all for putting together such a diverse menu of activities.”
Further information on help and services for carers can be found on the BCP Council website.
A man who robbed two banks in Bournemouth armed with an imitation firearm has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of six years and two months.
Two new routes from Bournemouth have been launched by easyJet to Belfast and Edinburgh.
A dedicated multi-agency summer response plan put in place to welcome people back safely across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole has stood the test and remains in place as visitors and residents continue to enjoy soaring temperatures.
With more than 300,000 visitors choosing Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole over the Bank Holiday weekend, BCP Council and partners worked around the clock to keep the towns clean and safe.
Over 1,200 people downloaded the BCP Beach Check app over the weekend, making 32,000 overall who are using it to find safer and less congested spots along the seafront.
Councillor Mohan Iyengar, Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Leisure and Culture, BCP Council, said “We have just experienced a great bank holiday weekend. Hotels have been full, restaurants busy and a whole load of other attractions have served customers in the hundreds.
“Credit goes to the officers across the council, police, fire and other authorities who have been on alert.
“Looking forward, we’ve a lot to be positive about this summer. The Festival Coast Live kicks off in June with more than 200 events across our three towns and it culminates in the Air Festival in September – the biggest one we’ll have laid on. It positions us as a fabulous resort in the UK with beaches we’re proud of and hospitality second to none.”
In readiness for high traffic volumes, increased traffic management officers have been placed at key locations and car parks, including:
- Sandbanks ferry
- Sandbanks car park
- Branksome Chine
- Alum Chine
- Bath Road North/South car park
- Overstrand and Sea Road car park
- Avon Beach car park
- Mudeford Quay car park
Tow away zones will be in operation to deal with illegal parking, and plans are in place to increase the parking enforcement team, with more than 70 civil enforcement officers ready to be deployed in the peak summer months.
A man has been sentenced after admitting to killing a woman at a hotel in Bournemouth.
A 43-year old man has died following a road traffic collision in Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon between a bike and a car.
Councillor David Kelsey elected as Bournemouth’s new Mayor at this year’s annual meeting of the Charter Trustees.
The Bournemouth Charter Trustee Annual General Meeting took place on Friday 28 May at 11:15am in the Committee Suite at Poole Civic Centre.
This year residents were invited to watch the event virtually, as it was live-streamed in line with COVID-19 safety protocols.
The Mayor of Bournemouth, Councillor David Kelsey, said: “It is my absolute privilege to have been chosen to represent Bournemouth as Mayor.
I am looking forward to working hard on the behalf of our local residents, highlighting the great work of volunteers and charities, promoting business and supporting those who work in our public services.”
The Mayor’s role is to:
- maintain the historical and ceremonial traditions of the office of Mayor
- promote the town as a place to live and visit
- promote the town locally, nationally and internationally
- promote, liaise and link with private and voluntary sector organisations
- participate in and help initiate activities that enhance the economic, social, cultural and environmental well-being of the former borough and its residents
- act as host to official visitor to the town
- attend civic and ceremonial functions and local community-based activities as the Mayor determines appropriate
- represent the trust at ceremonial events
- support chosen charities for the mayoral year
- carry out all duties in a manner appropriate to the status and tradition of the office
- preside over Citizenship Ceremonies on behalf of BCP Council
Bournemouth’s new Deputy Mayor is Councillor Susan Phillips.
BCP Council has been awarded funding of £1 million by the Department for Education (DfE) to deliver a programme of activities with local providers to children aged 5 to 16.
Those in receipt of benefits-related free school meals during the school holidays are welcome to apply.
The scheme was successfully trialed over the Easter Holidays when 3,382 activity and food places were funded across 15 different providers, reaching approximately 1,000 local children.
Following the success of the pilot scheme over Easter, BCP Council is now seeking a diverse range of food and activity providers for the scheme roll out over the summer.
The groups and activities that took place received great feedback from the children who took part, their families and activities providers. Easter holiday activities included: mountain biking, dance classes, trips out to the beach, den making, archery, football, yoga, gardening, tag rugby, dodgeball, arts and crafts, circus skills and more.
Councillor Mike White, Portfolio holder for Children and Young people at BCP Council said: “School holidays can be difficult for many families with increased costs for food and childcare, particularly this year with the impact of COVID-19 on family resources. We all want our children to return to school physically and mentally ready for the term ahead and it is important for children and young people to engage in activities, keep healthy and stay connected.
“We are pleased to have secured funding and look forward to working with local providers to be able to address this issue and provide consistent and easily accessible sessions that include activities and a meal for local children to enjoy and help support families.”
More information on the Holiday activities and food programme (HAF) can be found online here.
A man in his 20s has been taken to Southampton General Hospital with life-threatening injuries after a collision involving his motorcycle in Christchurch.
Dorset Police was called at 7.26am on Thursday 27 May 2021 to a report of a single vehicle collision involving a Lexmoto FMR 125 motorcycle on Normandy Drive.
The road was closed to allow emergency services to treat the injured man and carry out an examination of the scene.
Police Sergeant Rhys Griffiths, of the traffic unit, said: “We are carrying out enquiries to establish the full circumstances of this collision and I am appealing for any witnesses to please come forward.
“I would urge any motorists who were travelling in the area and have dashcam fitted to their vehicle to please view it for any relevant footage that may assist my investigation.
“Finally, I would like to thank motorists for their patience during the road closure, which was absolutely necessary to enable emergency services to attend the scene in a safe manner and provide medical treatment.”
Dorset Police’s Chief Constable James Vaughan has announced plans to retire from policing in the autumn of 2021.
Chief Constable Vaughan began his career in Wiltshire Police in 1992, working in various uniform and detective roles before moving up through the ranks to work in major, serious and organised crime, citizen-focused policing, partnerships and safer neighbourhoods and later he became the Head of CID.
He successfully completed the Strategic Command Course in 2011 and joined Dorset Police as Assistant Chief Constable in May 2012.
After his promotion to Deputy Chief Constable in 2013, Chief Constable Vaughan led on strategic change, planning, performance, professional standards, people and community focus, and media and communication. He also led various regional collaboration programmes, including the forensic service collaboration and the Strategic Alliance with Devon & Cornwall Police.
In February 2017 Chief Constable Vaughan was appointed Deputy Chief Constable (Chief Operating Officer) for the Dorset, Devon and Cornwall Strategic Alliance, before his appointment as Chief Constable for Dorset in April 2018.
He also leads nationally for forensic science for the National Police Chiefs Council and has delivered significant strategic change in forensic delivery through the national Transforming Forensics programme.
He was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in the New Year’s Honours in 2018.
Chief Constable Vaughan said: “I began to seriously consider retirement this time last year but delayed my decision due to the COVID-19 pandemic, during which I chaired the Local Resilience Forum to coordinate the joint response to the emergency. Moving forward into this year I chose to delay any announcements on retirement to ensure they did not distract candidates and the electorate in the Police and Crime Commissioner elections, which were held in May.
“I will take retirement in the autumn at the end of what is predicted to be a very busy summer. This will allow me to help our new Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick, to develop a new Police and Crime Plan to take the Force through to 2024/25, set a new budget for next year and select a new Chief Constable.
“I wish to offer David Sidwick my heartfelt congratulations and all the very best for the next few years. He had a solid win with a well-informed campaign and I am very confident he will bring new leadership, insight and inspiration to the Force.
“I cannot emphasise enough how very proud I am of the officers, police staff and volunteers who give so much every day to serve and protect the public. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for the dedication, commitment and professionalism they have shown, especially during the last 14 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has not been an easy time for anyone, but they have continued to do all they can to keep people safe.
“Dorset Police is an exceptional organisation providing exceptional services to the public. During recent years Dorset Police has achieved a ‘Good’ rating in all 10 areas inspected by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) and this is something I am immensely proud of.
“I set our organisation the vision of becoming a police force that provides an outstanding service to the people of Dorset; particularly the most vulnerable and I have every belief that this is achievable over the coming years.
“It has been an extraordinary honour and a privilege to lead Dorset Police in a variety of chief officer roles over the last nine years. This is a period in my professional life that I will cherish. Without doubt, the last year has proved to me that this county is made up of strong and caring communities and I am proud to call it my home.
“I will be continuing with a range of volunteering roles that I enjoy, but hope to find more time for my passions surrounding natural history, travel and sailing.
“Finally, I would like to thank my wonderful family for supporting me on this fantastic journey and I look forward to the new adventures that await.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “I would like to thank James on behalf of Dorset’s communities for his unwavering commitment to keeping people safe.
“Since joining Dorset Police as Assistant Chief Constable in 2012, James has shown exceptional leadership during a very challenging period – perhaps best illustrated by his stewardship during the unprecedented public health crisis of the last year or so.
“He leaves a tremendous legacy and the Force is well equipped to meet future demands and tests. Dorset Police is in a strong position, with higher officer numbers, and the foundations to make the county the safest in the UK.
“Over the last three years, I have had the pleasure of getting to know James and I have been conscious for some time that he would likely retire this year. I wish him all the very best when he leaves later this summer.
“Appointing a new Chief Constable is one the most important responsibilities for a Police and Crime Commissioner. I will work to ensure that the best possible candidate is appointed so that Dorset’s communities receive the policing that they expect and deserve.”