We are aware of the Home Secretary’s announcement this afternoon, confirming that the Home Office wishes to proceed with its plans to house asylum seekers in floating accommodation at Portland Port. Dorset Council’s position has not changed. We still have serious reservations about the appropriateness of Portland Port in this scenario and we remain opposed… Read more Statement in response to Home Office announcement
Several access improvements have been completed in Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in the last few months. Defra awarded each of England’s National Parks and AONBs an uplift in its core grant to help make our protected landscapes more accessible to people of all ages and abilities and from all backgrounds.
On Sunday 26 March a leak occurred at a pipeline operated by Perenco at Owers Bay in Poole Harbour. Latest statement from Poole Harbour Commissioners issued on 4 April: As a result of the progress of the cleanup operations, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has revised previous advice and indicated that people are able… Read more Poole Harbour Pipe Leak – Advice changing from Wednesday 5 April
Having fun this Easter Holidays doesn’t have to be expensive. Here’s just some of the activities happening across Dorset.
Dorset Council has today, 30 March 2023, submitted a brand-new planning application proposing to demolish the former Weymouth and Portland Borough Council offices at North Quay, Weymouth.
Nineteen-year-old autistic student Felix is working in the field of his dreams after being placed on a North Dorset dairy farm by Dorset Council’s supported employment provider Pluss. Felix has always wanted to go into agriculture but at college he was finding the maths entry level quite difficult to complete so Pluss looked for… Read more A Mooving Experience for Felix
Dorset Council and the local MP Richard Drax have been made aware of conversations between the Home Office and the owners of Portland Port to site floating accommodation for asylum seekers in the port. We have serious concerns about the suitability of the location for this facility. The council has had limited input and has… Read more Statement: Home Office proposal to use Portland Port
Dorset Council and LitterLotto have joined forces to launch a new initiative aimed at tackling littering and rewarding citizens who are doing their part to keep the area looking glorious.
Election results for Dorset’s Youth Parliament representatives were announced recently at a ceremony at County Hall in Dorchester. Huge congratulations were given to Cam, Megan, Stanley and Tilly who are the newly elected Dorset Council representatives at Youth Parliament. Four successful candidates will take up their roles as follows: Stanley & Tilly – Lead representatives… Read more Huge congratulations to Dorset’s newly elected Youth Parliament representatives!
Councillors will consider a report on the annual progress made by Dorset Council Children’s Services at its Cabinet meeting on 28 March. The report details how the service regularly takes stock to ensure it continues to offer all children in Dorset every opportunity to thrive. Dorset Council’s Children’s Services were last inspected by Ofsted in… Read more Dorset’s Children’s Services publishes annual report on strengths and progress
Businesses and community groups across Dorset are now reaping the rewards of reduced energy bills thanks to measures installed with the help of a council scheme.
Residents planning to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III only have just over a week left to apply for a FREE road closure. The Coronation will be celebrated across the country and marked with a three-day bank holiday weekend from Saturday 6 May to Monday 8 May with opportunities for people to be part of the… Read more King’s Coronation: last call for street party road closure applications
To celebrate his Coronation, King Charles III is inviting everyone to volunteer for their favourite cause on Monday 8 May as part of The Big Help Out.
Dorset Council has announced ambitious plans to get electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints into towns and villages across the Dorset Council area, as part of its new Charging Ahead programme.
Children and young people will get the support they need to get the most enjoyment from their educational experience and improve their life opportunities following the launch of a new attendance strategy by Dorset Council. The new strategy, which will be implemented during this year and next, sets out to achieve the best attendance and… Read more It is onwards and upwards for Dorset Council’s new schools’ attendance strategy
Dorset Council is taking significant steps to deliver on its climate commitments, with a series of reports set to be presented to Cabinet this month.
The number of homeless people in Dorset is declining thanks to a range of new services and accommodation options for people on the streets.
Local community and cultural organisations across the county have been awarded just over £120K in financial support from Dorset Council in recent months to assist with their work in local communities. The grants, round 4 of the council’s Community & Culture project Fund, has boosted community groups and charities in their support for marginalised residents… Read more Funding boost for community and cultural sector organisations to deliver local support
Dorset Council is asking landowners to submit land for consideration as part of the next stages of preparing the Dorset Council Local Plan. The council is asking for submissions of land that may have the potential for: New housing Accommodation for Gypsy and Traveller communities Employment land. Mitigation for habitat sites. Renewable or low carbon… Read more Landowners asked to submit land for consideration
Dorset Council is encouraging residents to start planning their own street parties for The Coronation of The King and The Queen Consort.
Dorset Council is looking for volunteers who may be able to offer a couple of hours a week to help people get in the cycling saddle, as part of a new inclusive cycling initiative in Weymouth.
On Wednesday 1 March, young people across Dorset found out which school they will be joining this September. This year has seen an increase of 100 school places more than last year. Blandford and Ferndown have been locations in particular demand with Blandford requiring 60 new places and Ferndown requiring 30 new places. 96.6 per… Read more Most Dorset students get offered their preferred choice of secondary or upper school
A new programme has launched to recruit social workers which you can apply for through Dorset Council. The ‘Step Up’ to Social Work programme is a 14-month training course, which offers hands-on experience of working in a real-life social work role through placements in the Dorset Council area, whilst undertaking the qualification. This is a… Read more Do you have what it takes to ‘Step Up’ to social work?
Councillors voted in unanimous support of Cllr Spencer Flower’s proposal for a £2m cost-of-living support fund for residents in today’s Cabinet meeting. The £2m will be funded from the council’s reserves. Proposals were developed by officers in response to the request from Cllr Flower, Leader of Dorset Council. The fund will support a range of… Read more Dorset Council to set up £2m cost-of-living support fund
Over 90 people gathered at the Tank Museum at Bovington for the Dorset Armed Forces Covenant Conference last week, Thursday 23 February.
The government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding (EBSS Alternative Funding) is now open for applications. The EBSS Alternative Funding is a payment of £400 to households who do not have a direct relationship with an energy supplier and therefore were unable to previously receive it.
Dredging to maintain the harbours navigational channels will take place between 28 February and 21 April.
The T’s are crossed, the I’s are dotted and the ink has dried on the paperwork. Dorset Council has now handed the keys to the Redlands leisure facility in Weymouth to local charity Active Dorset.
On Friday 24 February the Ukrainian flag will be raised at County Hall in Dorchester to mark the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
A further public consultation is underway to ensure Weymouth and surrounding areas and parishes in the Vale of Allen Grouped Parish Council continue to reflect the communities they represent.
