New school and centre of excellence will improve lives and save money
A new school with fantastic facilities will improve the lives of Dorset children with SEND and reduce future costs, after ambitious plans were today (29/4) given the go-ahead.
New fund opens for Dorset’s community and culture projects
Want to make a difference to people living in your community? Apply to Dorset Council’s new project and event fund for arts, museums, heritage, community, play and physical activities.
Dorset’s polling stations will be safe places to vote
For the elections on 6 May, Dorset Council is putting in place many of the measures we’ve become used to over recent months.
Surface dressing sites – May 2021
Surface dressing is underway to repair suitable roads across Dorset as part of the annual programme of road maintenance work.
Digital champions return to face-to-face advice sessions
Dorset residents can once again get face-to-face advice on any digital queries such as setting up and using devices including phones, tablets and PCs. Digital champions have started to return to Dorset libraries to help people who are struggling to get online. Meanwhile the Digital Hotline will keep running to help people who can’t get… Read more Digital champions return to face-to-face advice sessions
Suggestions welcomed for Levelling Up funding bid for Weymouth and Portland
Cllr Tony Ferrari, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, is seeking suggestions for local infrastructure projects in Weymouth and Portland which could be included as part of a bid for the Government’s ‘Levelling Up’ fund. The bid will be submitted jointly by Dorset Council and Richard Drax MP in June, with support from Weymouth… Read more Suggestions welcomed for Levelling Up funding bid for Weymouth and Portland
Bids invited for the £220m Community Renewal Fund
Dorset council is seeking applications from relevant organisations to apply for government’s Community Renewal Fund. The Fund is specifically for projects that focus on supporting people and communities most in need across the UK. Applicants can put forward potential projects which align with one, or deliver across several, of the following investment priorities: investment in… Read more Bids invited for the £220m Community Renewal Fund
Community buildings to receive gigabit broadband thanks to investment from Dorset LEP and Dorset Council
Dozens of community buildings across rural north Dorset are to be connected to next generation, gigabit-capable broadband thanks to a Getting Building Fund allocation from Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). Now 60 community sites from Blandford to Sherborne; including schools, community centres, a health centre, council depots, farms and adult social care residential homes; will… Read more Community buildings to receive gigabit broadband thanks to investment from Dorset LEP and Dorset Council
Great South West Tourism Partnership receives prestigious award
The Great South West Tourism Partnership has received the award for Outstanding Contribution to Tourism at a virtual ceremony, held yesterday, 22 April.
Affordable housing target exceeded, despite a difficult year
Dorset Council has exceeded its target for providing new-build affordable housing in the county over the last 12 months.
Funding for housing support, living independently
Funding for housing support We have secured £1.6m from the Government’s Next Steps to Accommodation programme to help tackle homelessness in the county. The council has also agreed a further £4.78m over the next two years to purchase and refurbish properties to support homeless and rough sleeper households. This will ultimately reduce reliance on emergency… Read more Funding for housing support, living independently
Could you be a social worker?
Clair Honnor started her career as a social worker more than 20 years ago and has worked in a variety of roles over the years. Clair said: “Social work can be challenging at times, but making a difference in a child’s life is deeply satisfying. “There’s no better way to understand what’s going on than visiting a family in their home and speaking with them. COVID-19 has had an impact on… Read more Could you be a social worker?
Dorset Road Fix – May 2021
Dorset Highways maintenance gangs are out across the county continuing to repair road damage.
Do you need to apply to the EU settlement scheme?
Dorset Council is urging people to check whether they need to apply to the EU settlement scheme as the deadline for applications approaches.
More digital arts activities for local people
Thanks to funding from an Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grant to develop libraries as cultural hubs, Dorset Library Service is to run a digital arts programme for young people and adults.
We all need some ‘time out’ now and then – latest blog by Amanda (one of our brilliant foster carers)
Easter, a time of new-born lambs, fighting the urge to break the diet and hoping the kids come down from the ceiling after the massive post sugar rush of chocolate eggs.
A new activity programme is released
Dorset Council has released the 2021 Activate Coast and Greenspace programme. It will help local people to get and stay active through a range of activities in green spaces.
Golf programme will help recovery
A new programme to encourage local people to get into golf for their health and wellbeing is being launched. It’s is being run by Dorset Council’s Health & Activity Team, who are based at The Moors Valley Golf & Activity Centre. Supported by England Golf and UK Active the programme is open to anyone who… Read more Golf programme will help recovery
Decision expected on new school and centre of excellence
Ambitious plans to create a new special school for around 280 pupils and a leading national centre of excellence, near Shaftesbury, will be decided later this month.
Surface dressing sites – April 2021
Surface dressing is underway to repair suitable roads across Dorset as part of the annual programme of road maintenance work.
Latest statement on Weymouth Harbour safety barrier installation (Friday 16 April)
Cllr. Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment at Dorset Council, has issued the following statement in response to continued coverage of the safety barrier installation at Weymouth Harbour.
Archaeological investigations set to start at North Quay
In response to Dorset Council’s recent public engagement on its initial development proposals for the North Quay site in Weymouth, a number of comments were made about the historical importance of the site, particularly as it was the location of action during the Civil War in 1645.
Record number of Dorset children being offered first choice of primary school
Today (Friday 16 April), parents across the county are finding out which primary, first junior or middle school their child will be going to in September 2021.
Overwhelming support for special school at St Mary’s site
Local people and community groups have given their views on the future of the former St Mary’s school site near Shaftesbury.
Flood protection works in west Dorset
A team of contractors, led by Dorset Highways, has successfully completed three months flood protection work in West Bay.
Driver found guilty in court after injuring parking warden on Weymouth Esplanade
A local man was recently found guilty in court of driving without due care and attention after injuring a Dorset Council officer who was carrying out his duties.
Candidates announced for 6 May elections
Candidates standing in this year’s Police and Crime Commissioner elections and some town and parish council by-elections in Dorset have been published.
Dorset Council pays tribute to HRH the Duke of Edinburgh
It is with great sadness The Chairman of Dorset Council, Cllr Val Pothecary, shares news from Buckingham Palace that HRH the Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, beloved husband of Queen Elizabeth II died today, Friday 9 April 2021 at the age of 99. The following statement was issued by the press secretary at Buckingham Palace:… Read more Dorset Council pays tribute to HRH the Duke of Edinburgh
5G Aquaculture Video Monitoring System to be deployed in Dorset
JET Engineering System Solutions Ltd today announced the signing of a contract with Dorset Council to deliver a reduced carbon-footprint Aquaculture Monitoring System, made from sustainable materials and harnessing 5G network connectivity, for Jurassic Seafarms Ltd in Portland Harbour, Dorset, UK. Read the full release here
Residents have chance to shape their community
Residents of Wimborne St Giles have the opportunity to shape their community through the development of a Neighbourhood Plan.
