The A31 is still closed both ways this morning several hours after a vehicle fire spread to the central reservation. We will be bringing you latest updates.

The beat of a snare drum and blast of a brass horn were once the soundtrack of our communities.

People are being invited to take part in a sponsored walk or cycle to support the Dorset Historic Churches Trust.

Drivers in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole face road closures and temporary road works in August due to BCP Council and utility roadworks. Expect delays.

Jessica Toale MP on the fire risk to Dorset's lowland heathland and her new role as parliamentary champion for the sand lizard.

Our beautiful town of BH is too often the subject of negative comments.

Last time, I wrote about Bournemouth’s next chapter. The response was encouraging. People clearly care about this place.

A motorcyclist was left with three cracked ribs after a female driver left the scene without  near Ferndown.

Vehicles were abandoned after a massive fire broke out in the New Forest on Sunday afternoon.

The A31 through the New Forest remains closed in both directions this morning due to a HGV fire which spread to nearby verges and trees.

New performances inspired by this year's ELEMENTAL theme join the programme for Arts by The Sea festival taking place in Bournemouth, September 25 and 26.

The appointment of a new prime minister marks an important moment for the UK economy and offers a genuine opportunity to restore business confidence.

Whitecliffe House in Blandford Forum hosted the 35th anniversary event with residents, staff, families, friends, and members of the community in attendance.

A Poole MP is calling for the £2 bus fare cap to be extended to school-only routes, cutting travel costs for families.

Conveyancing data specialist X-Press Legal Services has launched new services in Dorset and the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) area.

Churchill Living is hosting a ‘Picnic on the Patio’ at its Clinton Lodge development in Lymington on Thursday, August 13, from 2pm to 4pm.

A community group founded just months ago is already making waves with two high-profile summer events.

A car finance company is opening an office in Bournemouth, which is officially its first office outside of Manchester.

A new exhibition celebrating light, water, and the coast is now on display this month.

An eight-year plastics survey has revealed that 85 per cent of products in supermarkets are still wrapped in plastic.

Forest Holme Hospice Charity’s Strictly Extravaganza will take centre stage at Lighthouse on Saturday, January 23, 2027

Parley Place care home in West Parley will be opening their doors to the local community for a Country themed Summer Fayre on 29th August from 2pm.

A summer fayre is set to bring together the community for a day of fun, fundraising and celebration.

A professional performer from Dorset is set to appear on television this week after being invited to feature in a documentary about cruise life.

An Echo investigation has revealed a dumping ground for dead birds in Kings Park, Bournemouth.

I’ll admit it: when Safeguard Community Support first started patrolling Bournemouth, I was dubious.

Bournemouth-based solo artist Julian Barry has released what he says will be his final studio album before taking a break from music.

Gardeners and growers are being encouraged to showcase their green-fingered skills at an upcoming horticultural event.

The 26th Annual Duck Race, staged in aid of Wimborne in Bloom, will take place on Saturday, August 29, with plastic ducks set to take to the River Allen.

Forecasters warn the extreme heat could disrupt transport and power networks as dry, hot weather continues to grip the country.

Gardeners have been advised to cut back 6 plants in August for an extra boost of flowers, including hardy geraniums and Delphiniums

Forecasters have warned that parts of the country could see mid-30s temperatures this week.

A vehicle fire which spread into the central reservation has forced the closure of a major section of the A31, with smoke visible for miles.

There are long delays on the A31 in the New Forest due to a vehicle fire.

A major vehicle fire has shut off the A31, with motorists facing standstill traffic.

A murder investigation has been launched and two people arrested after a man was found dead in Southampton

A crowd of thousands took over the streets for a ride in the sun and a day of drum and bass.

The festival launched around the turn of the millennium, but 2006 marked its coming of age.

Hockey's Farm Shop in the New Forest has ranked as one of the world's best food producers at the Great Taste Awards 2026

Rail fares for 16 to 18-year-olds halved from September, boosting affordable travel for young people. Scheme welcomed by Tom Hayes, Bournemouth East MP.

More than 50 firefighters tackled a large wildfire in the New Forest.

A five-hour multi-agency search operation was launched for a missing person at Rockley Point in Poole.

A much-loved community centre is set to reopen under council control this September after being closed for several months.

An emergency incident in Poole saw a person require medical assistance after being rescued from the water.

This beautifully refurbished and extended home next to a New Forest nature reserve is on the market, priced £2.225 million.

The UK's largest snake species has been spotted at an allotment in the New Forest.

The best towns for a weekend getaway in England have been named, and Bridport was one of those on the list

11-year-old Alexandra Hill from Bournemouth is currently undertaking a 350 mile bike ride from London to Paris to raise money for The Gurkha Welfare Trust

Parking restrictions on Broom Road, Poole, from 1 Sept–6 Nov 2026 due to SSE cable works. No waiting/loading; emergency access maintained. Plan ahead.

A BBC Question Time-style panel will form the centrepiece of the fourth Dorset COP, taking place at Kingston Maurward Coastland College on November 14.