Cultural strategy approved
Dorset Council’s Cabinet has agreed to adopt Dorset’s Cultural Strategy 2021 to 2026, which was discussed at this week’s Cabinet meeting (Tuesday 18 May).
Dorset Past and Present 2021 – Free public webinar event
Over the last year there has been some interesting archaeology discoveries and some projects to improve some heritage sites in Dorset. Dorset Council’s Historic Environment Team has organised an evening webinar for the public to share some of the fascinating discoveries that showcase some recent projects.
Defence Battlelab – A world-leading innovation hub
The Defence BattleLab project marks a £5.7m collaboration between the MOD, Dorset Council and the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), to provide an ambitious Defence building programme at the heart of Dorset, dedicated to the pursuit of innovation and technologies of the future.
Watch the briefing session on plans to improve special education provision
A briefing session for families and young people has been held to discuss plans to create more specialist education provision for Dorset.
Man sentenced for importing puppies illegally
A man who illegally imported cropped and docked Doberman puppies into the UK has been sentenced to 2 years and 4 months in prison for risking the rabies free status of the country.
Local communities back neighbourhood plans
Seven local communities are just one step away from having adopted neighbourhood plans for their area.
Businesses are invited to find out about SEND in the workplace
Businesses and employers across Dorset are invited to take part in a free 90-minute event designed to introduce SEND in the workplace.
Defence ‘Battlelab’ reaches first key milestone
An ambitious Defence building programme at the heart of Dorset, dedicated to the pursuit of innovation, has reached a significant milestone with the completion of the first building at the site.
British Geological Survey & 5G RuralDorset partner to develop new coastal landslide monitoring system
5G RuralDorset today announced a new project expansion to monitor land stability and cliff movement at key points along the Jurassic Coast. Read more here
Council praises local community and heritage groups as successful archaeological dig concludes
Dorset Council is beginning to outline the next steps to redevelop the North Quay and Weymouth Bowl sites, as a recent archaeological dig draws to a close.
Fostering Fortnight is here – Can you help?
Could you open your door to a vulnerable child or young person? Someone who wasn’t lucky enough to have had a safe and stable home life.
Connect with nature for Mental Health Awareness Week
Dorset Council is encouraging residents to connect with nature for Mental Health Awareness Week, 10-16 May 2021.
Update on Dorset Council’s position with regard to Brewers Quay, Weymouth
There has been much discussion on the future of the Brewers Quay building in Weymouth since the owner fell into administration. This statement provides an update on Dorset Council’s position with regard to Brewers Quay.
Results for May 2021 by-elections and referendums in Dorset
People have voted and the results are in for the May 2021 town council by-elections and neighbourhood plan referendums in Dorset. An election also took place for the Police and Crime Commissioner.
North Dorset road reconstruction
A popular local link road near Shaftesbury will be closing for two weeks while it is reconstructed by Dorset Highways.
Smartphone gift saves John from a lonely lockdown
When profoundly Deaf Bridport resident John Phillips received a free smartphone from Dorset Council, he had no idea just how much it would transform his life. The 76-year-old received the gift on Christmas Eve, as part of the council’s drive to help digitally connect people in need during lockdown. By then John, whose only method… Read more Smartphone gift saves John from a lonely lockdown
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.
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.
