BCP Reform Group is calling for immediate action to manage ‘decline’ in Bournemouth and Poole through improved safety, investment, and redevelopment, with ideas including a potential theme park at former power station site.

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Evil James Devitt admitted in a letter he wrote in a cell. "I was all mixed up. I truly deserve to be locked up for the rest of my life."

Liberal Democrat MP Vikki Slade urges urgent reform of the UK Child Maintenance Service, highlighting widespread concerns and calling on the DWP for action.

Two Dorset students have been elected to represent the county in the UK Youth Parliament following a record number of applications from schools across Dorset

The Overtones join Strictly’s Nadiya Bychkova and Louis Smith on the Jukebox Idols UK tour, performing 50s and 60s hits plus new music in a live show.

The “Believing in Bournemouth” report reveals renewed business confidence, major investments, and growth prospects for Bournemouth town centre in 2026.

Swanage and Isle of Purbeck bid for UK Town of Culture 2028, led by Cultural Purbeck, aiming to boost local arts, heritage, tourism and community access.

Families across Dorset can embark on a pair of thrilling Easter adventures in nature this year with the choice of a woodland or seaside egg hunt on offer.

Ukrainian refugee Anastasiia Boiko, 15, to hold first UK solo art exhibition at Bournemouth Library, featuring drawings from the Mariupol siege, April 2026.

Bellway earns HBF 5-star homebuilder rating for 10th year, based on UK customer feedback. New homes available in Dorset such as at Kingsmere Park.

Evolve Advisory launches Ignite, a one-day start-up workshop in Poole, Dorset, helping UK entrepreneurs turn business ideas into successful ventures.

Steele Raymond acquires Christchurch law firm Williams Thompson, expanding legal services in Dorset. Clients gain access to family law, property, tax and more.

Sandown Poole launches as an OMODA JAECOO dealership on April 1, offering affordable electric, hybrid and petrol SUVs in Dorset. Motability available.

LEAF Studio students wowed crowds at MOVE IT 2026, ExCeL London, performing jazz and contemporary dance. Don’t miss their July show at Lighthouse Poole.

Discover Brewfinder, the new app highlighting independent coffee shops in Hampshire and Dorset. Support local cafés and explore curated UK coffee spots.

Paris Smith LLP promotes five lawyers to partner across Southampton, Winchester, and Bournemouth offices, strengthening expertise in commercial and family law.

Everton Nurseries near Lymington, owned by the Collyer family for 100+ years, has been sold to Your Local Garden Centre group. All jobs are secure.

The NHS has expanded its RSV vaccination programme in England, offering the new jab to everyone aged 80+, care home residents and pregnant women from 28 weeks.

The Muddy Dog Dash at Upton Country Park raised funds for Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, supporting over 700 hours of local hospice care. Next event in October.

The New Forest took centre stage in a new BBC Two documentary, “Inside Britain’s National Parks”.

New Forest District Council extends Public Space Protection Orders to 2029, banning fires, BBQs, and feeding ponies to prevent wildfires and protect wildlife.

St John Ambulance issues Easter choking first aid advice for children, urging parents to learn life-saving skills. Find tips, courses, and emergency guidance.

A couple from Ashley are celebrating 65 years of marriage this month and looking forward to receiving a congratulatory card from the King and Queen to mark their remarkable milestone.

Entries are now open for the 2026 Dorset Tourism Awards, celebrating excellence in Dorset’s visitor economy. Free to enter; deadline 31 May 2026.

AA Driving School welcomes Government reforms to the UK driving test booking system to tackle long waiting times, but warns more action is needed for learners.

Get expert spring cleaning tips from MyBuilder.com's Esosa Igbinenikaro to refresh your home and garden this bank holiday weekend across the UK.

NFU Mutual Bournemouth to donate £10 to Lewis-Manning Hospice Care for every new insurance policy in Bournemouth, supporting free hospice services in Dorset.

Knoll Gardens launches 2026 wellness events in Dorset, featuring garden yoga, gardening masterclasses with Neil Lucas, and NGS charity day. Book online now.

The AA shares fuel-saving tips for UK drivers ahead of Easter, as petrol and diesel prices rise amid the Iranian conflict. Find cheaper fuel with the AA app.

Dorset Coroner issues next of kin appeal for Roger John Bannister, 79, of Poole, who died in Sterte Close. Public urged to contact 01202 123900.

One person in Dorset ended up collecting a prize of £100,000 in the April 2026 draw for the Premium Bonds

An independent clothing brand based in Christchurch is set to launch on Deliveroo in the next month.

A Wareham resident celebrated her 100th birthday last month surrounded by friends and 5 generations of family.

Durdle Door has taken centre stage in a climactic scene of the new Ryan Gosling sci-fi film, Project Hail Mary.

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

A HEATHLAND has likely lost a whole generation of rare reptiles after a recent devastating fire, says an expert.

Wimborne marked Palm Sunday with a community procession from Allendale Community Centre to Wimborne Minster, featuring donkeys and parish celebrations.

Millions could face surprise tax bills as pensions rise and allowances stay frozen. Check the four key tax breaks before April 5.

New laws aim to make cancelling subscriptions easier and stop hidden charges. Martin Lewis says it should be as easy to leave as to sign up.

Many taxpayers are heading into one of the biggest tax changes in years without fully understanding what they need to do.

Millions of shoppers at Sainsbury’s could soon see their money go further, after a new deal with NatWest promises better savings rates, tailored loans and bonus Nectar rewards.

Supermarkets slash Easter prices with veg from 4p, meals from £1.25, Tesco’s half-price toy sale and Aldi wine deals.

The Ryanair boss said jet fuel supplies could be disrupted in the coming months if the war in Iran continues.

A care home company has been fined £70,000 following the death of a vulnerable resident in it's Boscombe dementia specialist location.

Two drunken young women who trashed a Bournemouth hotel reception after they were asked to leave have been banned from every pub, bar, nightclub and hotel in the UK.

An animal welfare group has urged authorities to strip the Bournemouth Goats’ licence holder of their permit after video footage appeared to show the animals being abused at a Southbourne even last year.

FAMILIES have welcomed new government funding for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), said it should be directed to the areas “where the greatest pressure is felt.”

A PRISON officer smuggled drugs and smart phones in protein powder tubs into a Dorset prison, worth up to £190,000 behind bars.

Royal Mail has responded to reported delivery delays in Dorset areas.