Two consultations for the Dorset Council area have been launched. The first is seeking views on a proposal to retain the Weymouth Cumulative Impact Zone for alcohol licensing. This designation ensures that any changes to existing licences or any new applications are considered in relation to the whole area to reduce the potential for harm… Read more Alcohol and Gambling licensing consultations
A listed building on one of Dorset’s most iconic streets has been transformed and bought back into residential use, thanks to collaborative work between the owner and Dorset Council. The formerly derelict cottage on Gold Hill in Shaftesbury, featured in the renowned Hovis advert 50 years ago and has now been removed from the council’s… Read more ‘Hovis’ listed building brought back to former glory.
Children who have experienced early-life trauma will receive improved therapeutic care from Youth Practitioners. A group of 17 youth practitioners from The Harbour has successfully earned an innovative Level 4 Certificate in Therapeutic Childcare. This pilot course is the first of its kind, and far exceeds the minimum mandatory requirement for the role. … Read more Youth practitioners in Dorset complete an innovative qualification in therapeutic childcare
Work is due to start at the Weymouth Harbour peninsula quayside next Monday, 16 October, to create new facilities for fishing, charter and harbourside businesses and improve the public spaces in this part of the harbour.
This month saw the launch of the Home Upgrade Grant in Dorset, a government-funded scheme helping homeowners and landlords improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Through the scheme, households who do not use mains gas for heating, are on a low income, and have a low energy rating could be eligible for grants for… Read more Grants available to help Dorset’s vulnerable households save energy and lower bills
Next week, Dorset Council members will consider a report that seeks wider approval for the development of a Devolution Deal, including closer working with other councils.
Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre with support from Active Dorset, is providing accessible and affordable clubs for Dorset’s young people. Dorset’s young people now have greater access to affordable clubs thanks to Active Dorset Satellite Club Funding, Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre has launched two new teen clubs, with the climbing club going from strength to strength.… Read more Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre, offering affordable accessible adventures for Dorset’s young people
Recent data has underscored the need for action, revealing a concerning trend where girls in Dorset are falling behind their male counterparts in maths performance. According to the latest statistics, only 66 per cent of girls achieved the expected standard in maths. This is 6 per cent below the national average. In contrast,… Read more Closing the gap between boys and girls in maths outcomes
Children in Dorchester have been given a much needed boost of confidence, with thanks to Local Alliance Group funding A group of 25 children at St Mary’s Middle School in Dorchester received a much-needed confidence boost this summer, all thanks to funding allocated by the Local Alliance Group. The school hosted a week-long summer school… Read more Children in Dorchester given a much needed boost of confidence, with thanks to Local Alliance Group funding
Round 4 of the Household Support Fund (HSF) will reopen for applications at 10am on Thursday 5 October 2023 for low-income households in the Dorset Council area. The government scheme funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, provides support in the form of supermarket vouchers. Citizens Advice will be allocating this fund on behalf… Read more Round 4 of the Household Support Fund reopens for applications
Three experienced water sports coaches are helping encourage over 55’s to take to the water at the Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre (WOEC). For a subsidised £5 for a two-hour session on Monday morning’s, the coaches are helping people try a range of water activities at a relaxed pace. The Seafarers Over 55 Club have tried… Read more It’s never too late to learn a new skill on the Jurassic Coast
Results of a recent survey show that the majority of children in care in Dorset feel their life has got better since coming into care. The ‘Bright Spots’ survey, which was commissioned by Dorset Council, was carried out by Coram Voice and asked the views of children and young people in care between the ages… Read more Bright Spots for Dorset Children in Care
With one week left until the online version of The Housing Strategy Consultation closes to the public, Dorset residents, businesses, and organisations are being urged to have their say. By telling us what’s important to them, they will help influence the council’s approach to housing over the next five years.
Parents/carers will need to apply by Tuesday 31 October 2023 for the best chance of getting a place at their preferred school. This applies to all children moving from primary to secondary school, or middle to upper school in September 2023. Finding the right school place for your child is important for any parent/carer. The… Read more Is your child due to start Secondary or Upper school in September 2024?
This week, Dorset Council announced it has successfully secured funding to improve and preserve the heritage site of High Angle Battery in Portland.
The Dorchester Market Car Boot Fund will open on Monday 25 September for applications from community and voluntary organisations working in and around Dorchester. The fund comes from weekly car boot sales held in Dorchester and will be distributed to local community and voluntary organisations in and around the town to benefit projects operating within… Read more Dorchester Market Car Boot funding welcome applications
Have you ever wondered about some of the weird and wonderful place names in Dorset? How does a name like ‘Sixpenny Handley’ or ‘Ryme Intrinseca’ come about and what can the name tell us about the history of a place?
Malicious damage of a protected mature oak tree has meant that it needs to be cut down.
Weymouth College’s summer transition programme, with thanks to Local Alliance Group Funding A group of young people have been encouraged back into learning thanks to a scheme which is run by the local alliance groups. Weymouth College successfully hosted the Summer Transitions Programme, with the participation of 51 young people at risk of NEET (not… Read more Weymouth College’s summer transition programme, with thanks to Local Alliance Group Funding
IRONMAN returns Sunday 17 September and, even if you are not planning on watching the event, please make sure you understand the plans for the day as your journey may be affected.
Over the past year, a volunteer team has been working hard to redisplay Dorset’s smallest museum, the Corfe Castle Town Trust Museum at Corfe Castle, in Purbeck.
Working in collaboration with Dorset Council, First Bus South will continue to run the Route 3 bus service for passengers in Westham and Southill.
As part of the council’s recent planning permission to demolish the former Weymouth and Portland Borough Council offices at North Quay, Weymouth, preparations for an archaeological excavation will begin on 11 September.
Some children may be eligible to receive a free daily lunch at school, potentially saving families up to £450 per year, per child. With the cost of living affecting many people, Dorset Council is reminding families under financial pressure to find out if their child qualifies for the initiative. As well as receiving a… Read more Does your child qualify for free school meals?
The residents of Dorset are being urged to have their say about the future of housing. Having launched five weeks ago the Housing Strategy Consultation is now more than halfway through.
Round 4 of the Household Support Fund (HSF) will reopen for applications at 10am on Thursday 7 September 2023 for low-income households in the Dorset Council area. The support will be in the form of supermarket vouchers. Citizens Advice will be allocating this fund on behalf of Dorset Council and vouchers will be issued to… Read more Round 4 of the Household Support Fund reopens for applications
The second planned phase of repair work on Weymouth Town Bridge starts in late September 2023.
Plans have been unveiled which will make a difference to the lives of children, young people and families in Dorset over the next ten years. A partnership of local agencies from across Dorset has published its ambitious Children Young People and Families Plan which details the work that it will carry out to create… Read more Ambitious ten year plan for families is announced
Weymouth Town Council’s annual summer season fireworks are proving to be as popular as ever, with large numbers of people expected to attend the displays throughout August. The Pineapple Project, with the help of Weymouth Town Council, has provided a pop-up safe space at the fireworks nights, where young women can access support and guidance,… Read more Pineapple project offers safeguarding for young women at summer season fireworks
Dorset’s young people are being thanked for their hard work and commitment in the run up to this year’s exams. Students receive their A-level and Functional Skills, BTECs and Level 3 Qualifications results on Thursday 17 August, and GCSEs on 24 August. Cllr Byron Quayle, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, Skills and Early… Read more Students thanked for their hard work
