Councillors have agreed to increase rents for council housing tenants in Bournemouth and Poole by nearly five per cent in 2026/27.

A tunnel from Sandbanks to Studland has been proposed by an ambitious individual in the hopes of bypassing delays from the chain ferry.

POOLE’s businesses are defying the gloom overshadowing Britain’s high streets by banding together against the odds.

The Duke of Wellington plans to kick-start Wareham’s pub scene and bring fresh ‘new energy’ to back to the area.

Formed in the fall of 1899 as Boscombe FC, the club was essentially made from the ashes of Boscombe St John's Lads Institute football team.

A Bournemouth-based travel company has been named Best Lifestyle Franchise in the World, with its founder saying the awards are “the Oscars of our industry”.

New Forest District Council approves balanced 2026/27 budget with £26.6m for key services, council tax rise, increased coastal funding and housing investment.

New Forest District Council confirms 2.99% Council Tax rise for 2026/27. Band D set at £211.92; most of bill goes to Hampshire County Council, police, and fire.

Hampshire police stopped 35 vehicles in Lyndhurst during Operation Wolf, targeting fly-tipping, waste crime and stolen agricultural machinery transport.

Local female performers dazzled in sell-out cabaret The Monocle at Pavilion Dance South West, celebrating queer history and community through dance and jazz.

Bournemouth Oceanarium has slashed prices for locals this March.

An Indian grocery store offering “fresh and traditional ingredients” for everyday cooking has opened its doors in Bournemouth.

Ward Goodman acquires Graham Latham’s Dorset accountancy practice, expanding business advisory and financial services for SMEs and individuals in the region.

One of prehistory’s most fearsome predators is set to go on display at a Dorset museum

Discover The Big Bomo Wedding Show at Bournemouth Pavilion, 7-8 March. Meet Dorset wedding suppliers, venues, and experts—ideal for couples planning weddings.

Wimborne launches its year as Dorset’s Town of Culture 2026 with creative showcase at Allendale House, featuring local artists, musicians and community groups.

Costa Coffee launches a nationwide matcha pop-up tour, starting in Poole’s Falkland Square with free matcha drinks, games, and exclusive prizes on 28 February.

Dorset solar firm Save Energy donates to Julia’s House children’s hospice, supporting specialist care for seriously ill youngsters in Dorset and Wiltshire.

A young Dorset business woman has turned her love of baking into a thriving business, with a recent new venture proving very popular.

The Cranborne Practice in Verwood is expanding with a new medical hub, boosting face-to-face GP appointments by 28,000 annually from summer 2026.

In November 1998, Bournemouth caught snooker fever as the prestigious Liverpool Victoria UK Championship arrived at the Bournemouth International Centre.

THE Minister of State for Rail has urged BCP Council to reconsider its decision to withdraw funding for the Pokesdown station project ahead of a final decision on the proposal.

POOLE’s Lighthouse Arts and Entertainment centre is ‘facing the continuing pressure of rising costs’ warns its chief executive.

A wellbeing event hosted by award winning author is coming to Dorset with the aim of helping people prevent burn out and learn tools to recharge for the spring season.

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Planning permission has been granted for a well-known bakery chain to open at a petrol station in Verwood.

TWO people were rescued from sea after attempting to travel from Lymington to Yarmouth in a small inflatable boat.

Plenty of people have hydrangeas in their garden, but some experts have warned against making one mistake when pruning them

The DVLA have warned not following the rules could result in a failed MOT and a £1,000 fine

Breathing in high volumes of asbestos over a long period of time can cause asbestosis, which makes breathing difficult and enlarges the heart

A POOLE based pet photographer has been awarded ‘small business Sunday’ which she says is a “big milestone” in her career.

Fans coming to watch the Cherries play Sunderland at the Vitality Stadium tomorrow will notice more changes as work continues on the enabling works for the club’s stadium expansion.

Plans to transform a popular Premier Inn by almost trebling the number of bedrooms have been unveiled

Two men have been jailed following a handful of burglary and theft offences in the New Forest.

Emergency services are dealing an over-turned lorry on the A35. We will bring you updates as we get them.

a centrepiece where shoppers could stop for a civilised lunch in the midst of the hustle and busy shopping centre,

COMMUNITY support has surged to “save Hamworthy fire station” following proposals to close eight fire stations across Dorset and Wiltshire.

A MAN AND WOMAN have come forward after a woman was reportedly punched in the face at a Bournemouth bowling alley.

An Astro photographer has captured seven planets in one picture as part of a celestial planetary parade.

The Kaiser Chiefs gave Bournemouth a vivid glimpse of their early years on Thursday night, playing their debut ‘Employment’ album in full at the BIC in celebration of its 20-year anniversary.

Sainsbury’s has shared that 300 jobs are at risk of cuts across its UK stores and Argos business

A TEENAGER is aiming to become a professional darts player and a community fundraiser has been organised to help achieve his journey to become 'brightest young darts player'.

A man from Boscombe has gone viral for his content while travelling around Goa in Western India.

The New Forest Awakening Festival returns in March.

The Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce AGM is being held at The Cumberland Hotel , East Overcliff Dive from 6pm on Thursday, March 19 2026 and is open to all members.

Three men reportedly burgled a bike store in Brockenhurst after forcing their way through a display window.

A woman has been hospitalised with life-threatening injuries after colliding with a lamp post in Bournemouth.

Two men have been convicted at court after stealing fish from a business in Fordingbridge.

A former police officer has appeared in court following an alleged abuse of power by entering into an inappropriate relationship with a vulnerable person

Disruption from roadworks across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is expected to be halved after a scheme to charge utility companies up to £2500 for delayed works is introduced.