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.”
A man has been jailed for a violent assault outside a bar in Bournemouth.
Manuel Eugenio Caldeira, aged 57 and of Randolph Road in Bournemouth, was sentenced on Wednesday 26 May 2021 after admitting an offence of inflicting grievous bodily harm at an earlier appearance at the same court.
He was sentenced to 22 months in prison.
At around 8.50pm on Saturday 25 January 2020 the ambulance service was called to a report that a man had been found unconscious outside Bar 7 in Christchurch Road.
The victim, a man aged in his 60s, had a number of head injuries and a witness reported that he had been involved in an altercation with another man.
Police were called and, following enquiries, it was established that Caldeira had attended the bar at around 7pm that evening and had been involved in an altercation with the victim inside the premises.
The victim went outside a short time later and the defendant was seen to follow him and lunge toward him.
Caldeira was arrested later that evening after attending the Royal Bournemouth Hospital for treatment to a hand injury.
The victim was taken to hospital and was placed in an induced coma due to the severity of is head injuries. He was subsequently treated for a number of facial fractures and has been left with long term neurological issues.
Detective Constable Ben Swain, of Bournemouth CID, said: “Manuel Caldeira subjected his victim to a nasty assault that left his victim with significant injuries that were initially considered to be potentially life-threatening and are likely to continue to impact him for the rest of his life.
“I am pleased that we were able to quickly identify this defendant as the man who was responsible for the assault and I would like to thank all the witnesses who supported our investigation.”
New Go Slow and No Go Zones are being introduced to the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area limiting the speed of e-scooters to 3mph in places.
The Go Slow zone will be in effect across Bournemouth’s promenade throughout the Summer (July and August) from 10am-6pm.
The Go Slow zone will be visible in the Beryl app, shaded in yellow with a tortoise icon. A clock icon will highlight the operating hours of the Go Slow zone.
Scooters are not permitted in the No Go zone which is operating across Christchurch during the e-Scooter trial period. If you do enter the No Go zone, you will receive an alert on your app asking you to dismount and walk your e-Scooter back into the Beryl zone where it is safe and permissible to ride again. The No Go zone is shaded in black with a no entry sign icon. You will not be able to finish your journey here.
A 16-year-old boy from Poole was taken to hospital for treatment following a serious injury from an assault in the town.
Detectives investigating the incident where three teenagers were assaulted are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
Dorset Police was called to reports of an altercation that occurred at around 10.15pm on Friday 21 May 2021 at beach huts off Shore Road in Sandbanks. It was reported that a group of teenagers had been approached by a larger group of around 15 young people and three of them had been assaulted.
Detective Constable Jordan Hopkins, of Bournemouth CID, said: “We are carrying out a number of enquiries to try and identify those involved in these assaults.
“I would urge any witnesses, or anyone with information that might assist our investigation, to please come forward.”
This is the moment the gable end of a house in Hyde Mews Christchurch collapsed.
A man can be seen casually walking past and not reacting to the major event.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue service tweeted that the road was closed due to the “unsafe structure” after the incident on 21 May.
A man was captured on a doorbell camera walking past a house as its gable collapsed on to a Christchurch street. https://t.co/WgctvcHwwu pic.twitter.com/T9zOmnOjtn
— BBC South (@BBCSouthNews) May 26, 2021
This year’s weekly Dream Machines motorcycle event is set to begin on Tuesday 1 June, following confirmation of the latest easing of Coronavirus restrictions.
To comply with Government regulations, and to ensure that the evening is Covid safe for all attendees, spectators and staff, there will still be a need to maintain social distancing, and to keep gatherings of people to below 30.
Access onto the Quay for bikers this year, access onto the event site will need to be made via the old Lifting Bridge end of the Quay.
Please do not arrive before 5.30pm – parking will not be available before this time and we need to avoid queues forming.
The parking of bikes will be staggered across the Quay to avoid build up of bikes and to keep them apart. This means that some riders will be channelled through to other area of the Quay to park up even though there may still be space available in other areas. It is important that you follow the instructions of the marshals.
The price of entry is £1.50 per bike per evening. Payment for this can either be by cash of via contactless card (the cashiers will have card readers available). Alternatively season ticket armbands can be purchased from the TIC in Poole Museum for £5.50 (on sale now).
Eight people have been charged in connection with a police investigation into a suspected organised crime network involved in the supply of class A drugs.
Dorset Police’s Serious Organised Crime Investigation Team (SOCIT) carried out an in-depth investigation into an alleged conspiracy to supply class A drugs in the county between March and June 2020.
Following enquiries made by detectives from SOCIT, a series of arrests were made in June 2020 in the Poole and Bournemouth areas. After further investigation work, eight individuals have now been re-arrested, charged and are due to appear in court.
In total around eight kilograms of suspected class A drugs were seized during the investigation as well as a firearm and ammunition.
A 35-year-old Bournemouth man and a 33-year-old Poole man have been charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs and purchasing a prohibited weapon.
A 43 year old Bournemouth man has been charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs, possessing a prohibited weapon and possessing ammunition without holding a firearms certificate.
The three men are due to appear at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 26 May 2021.
A 24-year-old man, also from Bournemouth has been charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs and possession of a class A drug with intent to supply. He is due to appear at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Friday 25 June 2021.
A 34-year-old man from Bournemouth and a 43-year-old Bournemouth woman have been charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs. They are due to appear at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Friday 25 June 2021.
A 35-year-old Bournemouth man has been charged with being concerned in an arrangement which facilitates the acquisition, retention, use or control of criminal property by another and participation in the criminal activities of an organised crime group. He is also due to appear at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Friday 25 June 2021.
A 40-year-old Bournemouth man has been charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs and is due to appear at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Friday 2 July 2021.
Detective Inspector Jamie Halford, of Dorset Police, said: “We are determined to work with our partners to do all we can to disrupt the activities of those suspected of being involved in organised criminal networks supplying class A drugs in our county.
“As well as responding to information from national and regional crime-fighting partners, we also rely on information from members of the public to tackle suspected drug related activity in our communities.
“I would urge anyone with information to report it at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101.”
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Local Police Area (LPA) Commander Chief Superintendent Mark Callaghan said: “We recognise the impact that the activities of those involved in this kind of activity has on our communities and we will do all we can to send a message that serious criminality of this nature will not be tolerated in Dorset.
“This investigation was led by our Serious Organised Crime Team, which is committed to disrupting the activities of organised crime networks, and I want to praise them for the hard work and commitment they have shown during this long running investigation. I would also like to thank all those from across the Force who have supported the operation.”
BCP Council is issuing its latest round of ARG Stream 3 discretionary grant funding, which will be used to turbocharge innovative business projects across the region and drive long term economic growth.
From today (Monday 24 May) business support organisations, groups representing the retail, hospitality, leisure and welfare sectors and local Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) will collectively receive around £700,000. This funding will breathe life into a variety of local projects that have successfully demonstrated innovation, will generate pride in the place we live, provide benefits for the wider economy and are deliverable.
Councillor Philip Broadhead, BCP Council Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy, said: “With our most recent grant stream, we wanted to open a competitive application process that would unearth innovative projects from across a wide section of the local business community. We believe we are the only authority in the country to take this unique approach and I am delighted to share just a few examples of the projects which we will be funding initially with the money supplied to us from government.’’
Some examples include:
- Bournemouth Town Centre BID – crime prevention and the creation of a Peer to Peer board to help businesses improve their in-store experience.
- Bournemouth Coastal BID – funding for an electric vehicle, equipped with a pressure washer and hose, which can also be used to collect food waste from local businesses for composting.
- Poole BID – grant to support street enhancements, LED lighting, festivals and pop up market events to make their area more welcoming to visitors.
- Silicon South – funding for a new business Innovation Programme to help local companies stay relevant and keep one step ahead over the next 18 months.
- Citizens Advice Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole – funding a new web and app-based support platform to address employment issue, mental health in the workplace, access to skills and learning.
Christchurch Chamber of Trade and Commerce – a group research project to explore innovative and industry-leading ways to bring people back to town centres and high street and create an event filled city region.
In the next few weeks, individual and groups of businesses who applied for the Stream 3 Bounce Back Challenge Fund will also be notified of the outcome of their applications, with a further £2.75 million provided to deliver innovative local projects. BCP Council is also aiming to shortly distribute a further £1 million in grants through its Exceptional Circumstances Fund for businesses that have not received any grant support so far.
Councillor Broadhead continues: “We are in the process of reviewing over 270 applications for the Bounce Back Challenge Fund and aim to contact all businesses directly in the next few weeks. Showcasing a breadth of creativity, it’s already becoming apparent that this has the potential to go way beyond an initial bounce back. We will therefore be developing a comprehensive BCP Futures programme, to build on these projects as they are delivered and sustain long term economic growth. We are also considering options for future Stream 4 to support this plan.’’
The Verwoodians on Waste Group has organised Verwood’s first community freecycle on Sunday 6 June 2021 between 11am and 3pm.
A central Homeless Inclusion Health Centre to provide co-ordinated support is proposed for people who are at risk of rough sleeping but vulnerably housed and those who are currently rough sleeping.
David Sidwick has been confirmed as the new Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset.
The beach app developed by BCP Council enabling beach-goers to check the busy beaches has undergone a major upgrade and now provides even more information to its users.
A woman in her 90s has been rushed to Southampton Hospital and a driver of a Ford Fiesta has been arrested following a collision in West Moors.
Around 150 firefighters from across Dorset are currently dealing with two large heath fires to the south and north of Verwood.
Organisers of the Verwood Carnival have announced the 2021 event will not be taking place due to coronavirus restrictions.
The latest phase of the roadmap out of lockdown has begun, with non-essential shops now able to reopen and outdoor hospitality permitted.
Two vehicles from Verwood attended a grass fire at Potterne Park on Saturday afternoon.
Grundon Sand & Gravel has submitted its planning application to develop a building sand quarry, on land known as Purple Haze, just south of Verwood.
Verwood got a slight covering of dust from the Sahara desert on Thursday lunchtime.
Boards have been placed around the future site for Verwood’s own Lidl store following the granting of planning permission last year.
The hoarding will be used to protect the public from works whilst the site is prepared and building work commences in the future.
There’s no date on when the store will open, but the company tells VerwoodToday it is looking forward to opening in the town.
A spokesperson said: “We are delighted to confirm plans to open a new store in Verwood, and serve our fresh, quality, great value produce to residents.
“We are firmly committed to helping boost the local economy by creating up to 40 new jobs and working with local suppliers in the construction of the new store.
“We are very much looking forward to updating the community further on our plans in due course.”
The new store will be on Ringwood Road opposite the petrol station, in place of a current caravan store and two residential properties (76 and 78) – a total area of 1.6 acres.
The green light was given unanimously by members at the planning meeting on Wednesday 30th September with an additional condition about a potential barrier at the car park for use out of hours.
A car park will provide 79 free bays of which 6 will be disabled spaces and 6 will be parent and child spaces at the front of the property. Twelve customer cycle parking will be provided to encourage shoppers to visit the store by bicycle.
Children at Hillside First School in Verwood got a surprise visit from the Easter Bunny on Tuesday this week.
A Ringwood man in his 50s was taken to Southampton General Hospital with life-threatening injuries following a collision on Verwood Road.
The B3081 Station Road is currently closed whilst South West Water carries out some work in the area.
A quantity of scrap metal has been stolen from a yard area at Moors Valley Country Park over the weekend.
A man has been arrested in connection with an alleged assault in Morrisons Car Park, Verwood.
A number of children have been sent home from Emmanuel Middle School in Verwood after one child tested positive for COVID-19 just four days after reopening.
Verwood Firefighters were called to a skip on fire at Ebblake Industrial Estate on Monday evening.
A man has lost a tooth and damaged another after being punched in the face in Morrisons car park.
A proposal by Wimborne Academy Trust to reduce its admissions number for the reception year group at Hillside Community First School from 60 to 30 has been scrapped.