Bournemouth Borough Council has erected a No U-Turn sign on the Blackwater slip-off along the A338 to stop motorists trying to jump ahead of the queues.

Commuters heading south on the A338 must use the right lane if heading to Bournemouth as the roadworks approach, but some have been using the left lane, which typically has less traffic, doing a U Turn then getting back on at the same junction.

In a message to road users, the council says: “We encourage road users to be considerate of others and refrain from using the exit off at Blackwater Junction to jump ahead of the southbound traffic. There is a legitimate property access at Blackwater and we ask you to drive safely and avoid making U-turn manoeuvres in this area, on the slip roads or at the traffic lights.

“Please think ahead, follow the traffic signs and get into the appropriate lane as soon as possible. Lane one southbound approaching Blackwater is a dedicated lane for those motorists wishing to exit off the slip road to the B3073. All motorists heading to Bournemouth should use lane two of the southbound carriageway.”

The roadworks are set to continue till June 2019.

More than £58,000 worth of drugs and cash has been seized by Dorset Police during a crackdown week on suspected ‘county lines’ dealers.

Between Monday 21 and Friday 25 January 2019, 38 people were arrested on suspicion of drug-related offences during a week of targeted action.

Of these arrests, five were juveniles and are being safeguarded by partner agencies.

Safe and well checks were conducted at vulnerable adult addresses and relevant safeguarding has now been put in place to support these individuals.

Superintendent Caroline Naughton said: “Safeguarding vulnerable people is one of our biggest priorities. County lines exploit vulnerable young people and coerce them to commit criminal activity. This week was an intensification of our existing work to tackle suspected drug-related crime. While I’m extremely pleased with the work carried out this week, our efforts to tackle county lines are ongoing and relentless.”

County lines is the name given to urban drug dealers expanding their activities into smaller towns and rural areas.

Gangs will use people, including teenagers from other parts of the country, to come to Dorset and supply drugs. They will often target vulnerable people and move into their address against their will. Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill said: “County lines is a growing problem, not just in Dorset but across the country. It is something that the police can’t tackle alone. We need the support of our communities to continue to provide information to Dorset Police about suspected drug-related offences.”

Detective Inspector Charlotte Tucker, Regional Coordinator for County Lines, said: “With 90 arrests and more than £50,000 seized across the South West in the past week alone, it’s clear there is targeted action being taken against Lines operating in our region. Equally important is the work done to identify vulnerable young people and adults being exploited by drug gangs, which included visits to more than 200 currently or previously ‘cuckooed’ addresses.

“But, we know that every day more young people and vulnerable adults are being targeted by these gangs and the challenge of dismantling these Lines is a very real one, not just for law enforcement, but for safeguarding, health and education professionals as well. As a region, we continue to strengthen our response.”

UPDATE: Martin safely returned home in the early hours of Monday morning.

Police officers searching for a missing Bournemouth man are asking for the public’s help in trying to find him.

Martin Beaton, who is 29 years old, may have left his home address in The Avenue at around 1pm today, Sunday 3 February 2019. However, the last time he was seen by a family member was at 5.30pm on Saturday 2 February 2019. The most recent contact his family had from him was by text message at 4pm this afternoon.

Martin is described as white, about five feet six inches tall, of slim build, with olive skin, close-cut dark hair and long stubble. He might be wearing light blue baggy jeans, a dark green checked shirt, a black beanie hat and a coat.

Chief Inspector Lance Cliff, of Dorset Police, said: “It was reported to us that Martin has been very upset in recent days and therefore his family is very worried about him. Officers are searching the area, including pubs in the Southbourne area as Martin indicated earlier that he had visited one. Unfortunately, we don’t know which one.

“We are concerned that Martin may come to harm and this is why we need to find him urgently to make sure he is safe and well.”

Anyone with information or knowledge as to Martin’s whereabouts is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 3:366.

A new lottery which benefits residents of Bournemouth has been launched to raise money for local charities and voluntary organisations.

Over 60 good causes have signed up to the lottery to date, and tickets for the lottery will be available to buy online from the BH Coastal Lottery website.
The first draw will take place on Saturday 2 March.

All supporters will get the chance to win prizes of up to £25,000 for £1 per week. Every ticket has a 1 in 50 chance of winning a prize.

In addition to the monetary prizes, supporters will have the chance to win a break at the Bournemouth Beach Lodges.

60p from every £1 ticket will go directly to local charities and good causes, with the remainder being put towards prizes, operating costs and VAT.

Sixty three local good causes have registered to benefit from the lottery and more are being encouraged to sign up. Players can choose which good cause will benefit from 50p of their £1, while 10p will go to a central Community Fund.

Councillor Cllr Jane Kelly, Cabinet Member for Regeneration said: “We are pleased to be launching the BH Coastal Lottery which will help good causes in Bournemouth raise much needed funds. The BH Coastal Lottery will attract supporters who are looking to help our local causes with the incentive of winning prizes, including the jackpot of £25,000.”

To find out more about BH Coastal Lottery and to buy a ticket online see bhcoastallottery.co.uk.

A motorcyclist has died after a collision with a van on Holdenhurst Road at the junction with Windham Road.

The incident happened on Tuesday around 6pm.

Sadly, the motorcyclist – a 21-year-old man from Bournemouth – died at the scene. His family has been informed and is being supported by specially trained officers.

The driver of the van – a 27-year-old man from Bournemouth – was not injured.

Road closures have been put in place to allow emergency services to deal with the incident and carry out investigations.

Police Inspector Joe Pardey, of the traffic unit, said: “My thoughts are with the man’s family at this difficult time.

Talk show host James Corden turned up unexpected at the BIC on Sunday night to sing with Snow Patrol who were gigging at the Bournemouth venue.

The band later tweeted: “Thank you all at the BIC in Bournemouth tonight. Didn’t feel like a Sunday night that’s for sure! Brilliant. Loads of love to you all. Thanks to our special guests @Kodaline @Roe_music & to our dear pal @JKCorden for joining us on stage to sing ‘what if…’. so beautifully. gL.x”

Surprise appearance from James Corden who dueted with Gary Lightbody last night at Snow Patrol’s gig at the BIC in Bournemouth pic.twitter.com/Zaghig13Ex

— Sonia Jones (@soniajones370) January 28, 2019

What if this is all the love you ever get is the most beautiful song and superb @snowpatrol encore duet with @JKCorden at Bournemouth BIC pic.twitter.com/PPrhEU2Ll6

— Steve Groves (@SteveGrovesie) January 27, 2019

A man has been jailed for six and a half years after being caught dealing drugs in Bournemouth.

55 year old Paul Stephen Hurst of Birch Drive in Bournemouth, was sentenced after pleading guilty at Bournemouth Crown Court yesterday to two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

Detective Constable Kate Spyrou, of Bournemouth police, said: “Drug dealing and misuse blights communities and we will do everything we can to target offenders such as Paul Hurst from committing these offences in Dorset.

“I hope this case sends out a very clear warning that officers are carrying out targeted patrols to tackle drug-related offences and we will do everything in our power to catch offenders and bring them before the court.

“We will always encourage members of the community to report any concerns relating to drug dealing or misuse to us and will make every effort to act on information received. Anyone with information is urged to contact Dorset Police via email on 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org. If you witness a crime in progress dial 999 immediately.”