£9m for Dorset’s roads
Dorset Council will be able to carry out more resurfacing and reconstruction work on its roads this year, thanks to a £9.1m injection from the Department for Transport (DfT).
There is still time to have your say on a new social housing policy
Dorset Council is drafting a new policy looking at how people access social housing in the area.
Sherborne household recycling centre to re-open, but your visit may be very different
Dorset Council is pleased to announce that Sherborne Household Recycling Centre (HRC, or “the tip”) on West Mill Lane will be re-opening on Tuesday 2 June.
More help for businesses is on its way
Following the Government announcement on 1 May about a top up grant for businesses that are not eligible for other grants, the guidance to local authorities was issued on 13 May. We are now preparing a local scheme for Dorset which will be available shortly. The guidance from Government indicates that these grants are primarily… Read more More help for businesses is on its way
Greener highways in 2020
Dorset’s highway fixers are back in action and now producing fifteen per cent less emissions!
Council thanks hotels as emergency care scheme closes
As part of the efforts to help people leave hospital at the start of the outbreak, the Best Western Hotel Rembrandt on Dorchester Road in Weymouth and the Grange Hotel at Oborne, near Sherborne, offered accommodation for people not affected by coronavirus and who were medically fit to leave hospital.
Dorset Council’s country parks to re-open
The four country parks managed by Dorset Council are re-opening to the public on Tuesday 26 May.
Libraries stepping up during lockdown
The doors may be closed but readers in Dorset are enjoying e-books and e-audio items that are available for downloads from Dorset Libraries.
People are asked to Think Twice about visiting Dorset over the bank holiday weekend
Dorset Council continues to ask people thinking of visiting Dorset’s seaside or beauty spots over the bank holiday weekend and half term to be considerate and think about the potential impact of any visit on Dorset’s communities.
Virtual democracy for local people
Since the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic started Dorset Council has been working to hold all public meetings virtually.
Online music lessons for Dorset’s young musicians!
Young musicians in Dorset are overcoming the strains of the current lockdown by accessing music-making together – online!
Update on childcare
Plans are being made to welcome more of Dorset’s youngest children back into childcare.
Bags left next to recycling banks in car parks treated as rubbish
If you are looking to donate items such as clothing using a recycling bank in a car park, we are kindly asking you to keep hold of them until the current pandemic has passed.
Update on schools opening for more pupils
Plans are being made to welcome more pupils back into school across Dorset.
Our plea to potential visitors from outside Dorset
Are you thinking of visiting Dorset now? Please think twice If you are thinking of visiting Dorset’s seaside or beauty spots, we are asking you to be considerate and think about the potential impact of your visit on Dorset’s communities.
Restrictions for dogs on beaches to be enforced
Following the Government’s recent Coronavirus (Covid-19) guidelines to lift some of the restrictions Dorset Council will again be enforcing the restrictions for dogs that had previously been relaxed.
Mortality support facilities stood down
The two mortality support facilities that were activated as part of Dorset’s response to a possible worst-case scenario during the current Covid-19 emergency are to be placed on standby.
Council planning committees go virtual
The business of deciding planning permission through democratically elected committees continues at Dorset Council. The council is using Microsoft Teams to conduct virtual meetings during the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. Councils were given new powers to hold public meetings remotely on 4 April.
Our message to visitors – “Thinking of visiting Dorset now? Please think twice”
Dorset Council’s Leader, Cllr Spencer Flower, has a clear message for any potential visitors or day trippers thinking of coming to Dorset as a result of the government easing of lockdown restrictions: “Thinking of visiting Dorset now? Please think twice.”
A fostering story by Sue, one of our wonderful carers
“Our fostering story starts in the mid 1980s. Des, my boyfriend at the time (now husband) and I had just moved to Wales where he had got his first job as a club professional at a golf club, and I was working in a hospital. I can still clearly remember the poster in the newsagent’s… Read more A fostering story by Sue, one of our wonderful carers
Find out about Fostering
If you’re interested in fostering, find out more during Foster Care Fortnight.
Business survey results offer valuable insights
Dorset Council’s survey of local tourism and hospitality sector businesses on how COVID-19 is impacting them received over 1,000 responses. The Council has submitted this information to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS).
Discretionary fund to help more of Dorset’s businesses
On 1 May, Government announced a new £617 million discretionary fund which will be allocated to local authorities to give to small businesses who previously missed out on funding. Both Dorset Council and BCP Council are waiting to hear about their allocations and anticipate further guidance from central Government next week. Cllr Gary Suttle, Dorset… Read more Discretionary fund to help more of Dorset’s businesses
Thank you to Dorset’s outstanding volunteers
Since the announcement of the UK Lockdown, our communities have come together to support each other and those most vulnerable. Community groups were created overnight and have provided not only vital support for residents, but has highlighted just how caring our Dorset Council residents are.
Household recycling centres will re-open for waste that poses a risk of injury, health or harm
Dorset Council has announced that 9 of its 10 household recycling centres (HRCs, or ‘the tip’) are set to open on Monday 11 May now that central government guidance on managing HRCs in England during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been updated.
Portland Neighbourhood Plan One Step Closer
Following the successful examination of the Portland Neighbourhood Plan, Dorset Council has agreed to allow the plan, as amended, to progress to referendum. The plan was drawn up by local people and supported by the town council.
Dorset Council thanks schools and childcare providers
The dedication of Dorset teachers, childcare providers and school support staff during the Coronavirus pandemic has been recognised.
Ideas to help plan your own VE Day celebration
Friday 8 May marks the 75th anniversary of VE Day – the official end of the Second World War in Europe, and we want everyone to be able to commemorate this special day safely.
