Dorset

The blaze in Bemister Road started after a portable heater was left too close to bedding.

Rugby fans will also be affected as staff at two of the country's biggest rail operators stop working.

Three housing developments in West Dorset have been backed by councillors on West Dorset District Council’s Planning Committee.

Bridport Cohousing development

The approvals include developments in Bridport, Puddletown and Yetminster.

Bridport

19 homes have been approved in Bridport as part of an enlarged cohousing development. Overall the scheme, which sits adjacent to Bridport Community Hospital, will provide 53 custom built affordable homes. Once completed, the development will provide a mix of homes, ranging from one-bedroom flats to a four-bedroom home.

Puddletown

Wyatt Homes’ distinctly designed scheme of 41 homes on the western side of Puddletown has been backed by committee. The development includes both flats and houses and will range in size from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom homes. 35 per cent of the development will be set out as affordable housing, this will include a mix of affordable rent and ‘intermediate’ tenures such as Shared Ownership.

Yetminster

The detailed design elements of an 85 home development in Yetminster have been approved. The site, on land to the north of the village, received outline planning approval in 2016. Once completed the scheme will include an area of public open space and a new footpath linking the site to St Andrews C of E Primary School. Homes will range in sizes from one-bedroom flats to five-bedroom houses and will include provision for 35 per cent affordable housing.

David Matthews, Burrington Estates Development Director, said:

“We are delighted that members approved the reserved matters scheme at committee yesterday. The site, which will start in early 2019, will deliver much needed economic and social benefit, open and affordable market housing and Community Infrastructure levy. We have enjoyed working proactively with both the planning authority and Parish Council, and we are confident that the Yetminster scheme will be a success.”

Housing approved in Yetminster Boost to five year land supply

Cllr Ian Gardner, West Dorset District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning, said:

“I am pleased that the planning committee has approved these three large developments. Once completed they will make significant contributions to open market and affordable housing in the area, as well as boost our five year land supply.”

Sign-up to Home Ownership Register

Cllr Tim Yarker, West Dorset District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing, said:

“It is great news that these developments have been approved. I am especially pleased that the innovative cohousing development in Bridport, which the district council has provided support to, has received formal backing.  I would like to congratulate the team at Bridport Cohousing for accomplishing this major goal.

“Once completed, these three developments will provide much needed homes for our residents, a key element of our Opening Doors programme.

“As part of this programme, we have opened a Home Ownership register. This is already giving us real insight into the preferred type and location of housing wanted by residents. I would encourage anyone looking to own their own home to sign the register and provide us with even greater information.”

Find out more about Opening Doors and sign up to the Home Ownership Register and receive regular housing development updates in your area.

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Weymouth’s town centre council-owned car parks will be free from 3pm onwards every day during December. The car parks will also be free all day on Saturday 1 December for Small Business Saturday. 

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council work closely with the BID and the Events team to allocate the 5 free days a year the council provides the town. The decisions were made to use 4 of these at earlier events during the year. There were 2 used for Armed Forces days, 1 for Ironman, 1 for the recent Motocross event and 1 in Portland for Masonic open day.

Free after 3pm throughout December

 

Cllr Colin Huckle, briefholder for Transport and Infrastructure, said: “We have thought carefully about how we use these free days within the bustling events calendar in Weymouth and Portland. I’m delighted that our town centre car parks are remaining free throughout the month of December after 3pm.

“This will allow locals and visitors to make the most of all our town has to offer.”

Small Business Saturday

Small business Saturday is a grassroots campaign that highlights small business success. The campaign encourages customers to support small businesses in their communities. It will take place on Saturday 1 December.

 

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A section of the cliff on Bournemouth seafront fell away in April 2016 and has been sealed off since.

Dorset Highways will be closing the northern part of the A354 Weymouth Relief Road for one night to carry out emergency repairs.

The road will be closed in both directions between the A35 at Dorchester and the Jurassic Roundabout near Littlemoor from 9pm on Friday 23 November. The road will reopen by 6am Saturday morning.

Over the past six months engineers have been monitoring a bump that has formed in the road surface near the Bincombe turning. This has now reached a point where it is a potential hazard to road users.

The closure on Friday 23 November will allow Dorset Highways to remove the lump across the carriageway and resurface the excavated area.

Martin Hill, Dorset Highways network operations service manager, said: “We’ll be continuing to monitor the area for any further movement.

“We appreciate that the closure will cause inconvenience to drivers and congestion on other local roads but, by closing the road, there will be minimal joins in the patch and a better overall finish across the whole carriageway, as well as providing a safe working area.”

The official signed diversion route will take drivers from Weymouth along the A353 out to Warmwell Cross Roundabout and then onto the A352 through Broadmayne to join the A35 Dorchester bypass. Local drivers may decide to use an alternative route.

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Sterte Court's cladding is different from that used on Grenfell Tower but has a similar flammability rating

The one-month-old grey seal pup also had several bite wounds when it was discovered on Weymouth Beach.

Two uniformed patrol officers started work on their new beat last month under the new Community Safety Accreditation Scheme.

Patrol officers Jon and Karoline on the beat in Weymouth

The officers have been employed by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, who have worked with Dorset Police, the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, British Transport Police, Dorset County Council and Weymouth BID to introduce the scheme.

Under the scheme, the specially trained patrol officers have some police and council powers delegated to them, such as enforcing the new Public Space Protection Order.

The officers, Karoline Johnson and Jon Williams, have quickly got to know their patch. Karoline said: “Working on the beat in Weymouth is busy, because we are so visible people want to stop and talk to us, which is great, but it means it can sometimes take two hours to cover the Esplanade.

Deterring anti-social behaviour

“Our role on the beat is to be highly visible and deter anti-social behavior. We are there to reassure people, if you see us and want to report anything, or let us know about something that has made you feel unsafe, come and talk to us, or you can email us.”

Anyone can email the patrol officers, their address is:patrol@dorset.gov.uk

Karoline explained that their job is complicated and sometimes involves working with people in crisis by engaging with them rather than just issuing fines. She said: “We are not Fixed Penalty Notice vending machines, anyone who thinks that we are only there to hand out fines will be disappointed.

“Our job is much more complex than that. We approach everyone with respect. Firstly we try to engage with people, who may be in crisis or suffering from mental health problems or addiction, to see if we can help them find the services they need to sort themselves out. We do not tolerate anti-social behaviour, and if necessary we do issue fines, but they are more of a last resort.”

Jon said: “Every day on the beat is different, we never know quite what to expect. If for example we see people begging then we explain that it isn’t OK. We explain the PSPO rules (Public Space Protection Order) and in most cases people are reasonable. We are positive about our work and we want to be a positive force in the town.

“Most people have been encouraging, although some have come up and criticised the scheme, I would say to them, give us a chance, we are working hard to improve your safety. Also please bear in mind if one of us is dealing with someone the other may not be able to give you their full attention, as covering each other’s safety has to come first.”

Work is underway to recruit two more additional patrol officers and further funding is being secured for the scheme. Weymouth and Portland Borough Council has ear-marked up to £140,000 for the scheme over the next two years. Funding for the scheme is also coming from Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner, Dorset Police, British Transport Police, Weymouth BID and Dorset County Council.

Mike Byatt, Community Safety Briefholder at Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said: “Karoline and Jon are providing a great service for our town, people wanted to see more officers in uniform on the beat and that is what we have delivered. Having a highly visible presence in certain areas is important, which is why I am pleased we are recruiting more patrol officers.

‘Great service for the town’

“We listened to the public before deciding which areas to concentrate on. These areas will include, but not be limited to, the town centre including the Esplanade, Lodmoor, and the Rodwell Trail. Weymouth is a fantastic town with a lively day and night time economy. We are working hard to make it even safer for people to enjoy.”

Inspector Barry Gosling, of Weymouth Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Tackling anti-social behaviour remains a priority for the neighbourhood policing team as we know the impact it can have on local residents and these officers are providing vital support to our police officers and PCSOs (Police Community Support Officers).

“It is just one of a number of ways we are working with our partners to combat anti-social behaviour in the town and we look forward to continuing to work with them.”

The Police & Crime Commissioner for Dorset, Martyn Underhill said ’I am pleased to see that the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) is starting to bed in and that the officers have quickly become part of the community.’’

‘’I have been involved with the funding and introduction of CSAS since its inception in Boscombe in 2014, so I know what this scheme can contribute to the local communities it serves. I very much look forward to seeing the changes across Weymouth and the surrounding area as the scheme grows.’’

Claudia Moore, Weymouth BID Chief Operations Officer, said: “Weymouth BID is pleased that the patrol officers are out and about and we are looking forward to seeing the improvements that will soon be visible in the town centre.”

The patrol officers never know what they will have to deal with. Practical incidents they have managed include discovering a break-in, seeing that property is secure following criminal damage, recovering a stolen bike which was later returned to its owner and helping a mobility scooter driver, after their vehicle had fallen on them. They are both first aid trained.   

The special training the officers undertook is very thorough. It includes extensive security checks and vetting, fitting equipment such as body armour as well as providing detailed training so officers can carry out some police and council enforcement powers, such as issuing fixed penalty notices, and enforcing the new Public Space Protection Order. The order gives officers certain powers such as being able to require people to surrender alcohol in designated areas. The officers will also be able to gather evidence and be involved in the enforcement of Community Protection Notices, which place restrictions on individuals that persistently act in an anti-social manner.

 

The post Update from our patrol officers, working to make Weymouth safer appeared first on Dorset news.

Organisations and businesses from across Purbeck have been recognised in this year’s Dorset Tourism Awards.

The Discover Purbeck Information Centre, Wareham received Bronze in the Information Service of the Year category at the ceremony at the Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts.

This is the sixth time the Centre has won a coveted Dorset Tourism Award, and it joined tourism businesses from across Dorset at the ceremony.

Other winners were: Swanage Railway – Gold; Burngate Stone Carving Centre – Bronze; Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre – Bronze; Lulworth Outdoors – Gold; and Create at the Cove – Gold and Silver

Councillor Caroline Finch, Deputy Economy and Infrastructure Portfolio Holder for Purbeck District Council, said: “We are absolutely delighted the Discover Purbeck Information Centre has once again received recognition at this prestigious ceremony.

“The Tourist Information Centre (TIC) team strives to maintain high standards, so we are proud to see their commitment recognised with the bronze award.

“We are also thrilled that the Swanage TIC won Silver this year.”

Councillor Finch continued: “TICs are vital centres of information for residents and visitors alike. They also help support our local economy by promoting local businesses and accommodation providers. These awards highlight how important these services are.

“It is also fabulous to see the district’s many businesses receive recognition for the service they offer.”

Both information centres went through a rigorous three-stage judging process. This involved initial scoring of an entry form, a programme of mystery visits and finally decisions by an independent panel.

The Discover Purbeck Information Centre, based in Wareham Library, is the first point of contact for many of Purbeck’s visitors. The Centre’s team offers a first class professional service and a wealth of local knowledge. They welcome almost 100,000 visitors every year, including local residents and those who choose to enjoy their holidays in the district of Purbeck.

Purbeck District Council’s Tourism Manager Holly Lagden said “The Dorset Tourism Awards are a free to enter scheme that provides valuable mystery shopper feedback. We find this useful to help us keep Discover Purbeck Information Centre running well and our team motivated, we recommend that tourism businesses across the district apply for 2019”.

Visit www.dorsettourismawards.org.uk for details of all the award winners and photographs.

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Weymouth is celebrating receiving a Purple Flag Award for its evening and night time economy at a recent ceremony.

From left: Jeremy Rucker City Dressing, Chris Meade Dorset Police, Dave Rees Street Pastors, Sam Goome Dorset Police, Edward Warr, Town Centre Manager and Sarah Walker Purple Flag Programme Manager.

A town landmark, the Jubilee Clock, will be turned purple on Friday to mark the presentation of the award, which took place earlier this month at a special ceremony in Chippenham. The flag itself will be raised outside the council offices also on Friday. (16/11)

The award recognises places that provide a vibrant and diverse mix of dining, entertainment and culture while promoting the safety and wellbeing of visitors and residents.

Organisations that worked hard to secure the Purple Flag include Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, Dorset Police, the Street Pastors, Weymouth BID, Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce and Pub Watch.

Cllr Mike Byatt, Community Safety Briefholder at Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said: “Weymouth is now officially one of the best places to enjoy a night out. I am delighted we have received the Purple Flag. It recognises the hard work that we and many other organisations have put into making Weymouth safer.”

Cllr Richard Nickinson, Economic Development Briefholder at Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said: “I am delighted we have achieved the Purple Flag accreditation. We are committed to doing all in our power to promote our borough, as it all helps our local economy.”

‘Weymouth is vibrant and culturally rich’

Cllr Richard Kosior, Briefholder for Tourism, Culture and the Harbour at Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said: “This award shows what a vibrant and culturally rich place Weymouth is to enjoy an evening out. Our new patrol officers and the police work hard to make our borough even safer, so we can all enjoy a night out.”

Inspector Barry Gosling, of Weymouth Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Our officers work hard with local partners to ensure that Weymouth remains a safe place to enjoy a night out.

“I am glad this has now been recognised and we will continue to do all we can to ensure residents and visitors experience a safe and enjoyable evening out in the town.”

Claudia Moore. Weymouth BID, Chief Operations Officer, said: “Weymouth BID is very proud to have been part of the Purple Flag accreditation process and congratulations must go to the team that worked so hard on it. We hope that this will bring new visitors to Weymouth and encourage our local residents into the town at night.”

Sarah Walker Purple Flag Programme Manager, said: “There are now over 70 towns and cities across the UK and Ireland who are proudly flying the Purple Flag after working hard to gain accreditation. The award is not just about safety, but also the vibrancy and diversity of the evening and night-time offer. This can only be achieved by people working together in a strong partnership to which we are seeing great examples of across the country”

The Purple Flag programme is managed by the Association of Town & City Management. It is an accreditation process similar to Green Flag Award for parks and Blue Flag for beaches. It leads to Purple Flag status for town centres that meet or surpass the standards of excellence in managing the evening and night-time economy.

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A BBC investigation finds more than 100,000 used needles were collected in the UK in three years.

Starting on 1 December, Purbeck shoppers and visitors will be able to enjoy some free parking in the run-up to Christmas.

Small Business Saturday – 1 December

Purbeck District Council and Wareham Town Council will be supporting traders on Small Business Saturday, 1 December. Free parking will be available in the District and Town Council car parks at Bonnets Lane; Connegar Lane; Howards Lane; Streche Road; and the Rempstone Centre, Wareham; and at West Street, Corfe Castle.

Pre-Christmas free parking in Wareham

The councils will also be waiving parking charges in their Wareham car parks on Saturday 22, Sunday 23 and Monday 24 December.

Pre-Christmas free parking in Corfe Castle

Free parking will also be available in Corfe Castle West Street car park on Saturdays 8, 15 and 22 December.

Councillor Cherry Brooks, Economy and Infrastructure Portfolio Holder for Purbeck District Council, said: “The district of Purbeck is home to a super selection of independent shops and businesses. Why not take advantage of free parking and get something different for friends and family this year.”

Councillor Brooks continued: “Christmas is a crucial time for business and free parking helps us all support our local traders.”

Swanage

Swanage Town Council will be providing free parking in its Broad Road and Main Beach long stay car parks on all the Saturdays in December and the first Saturday in January. On the other days in December, parking will be £1 per day in these two car parks.

 

Norden car park near Corfe Castle, and Dorset County Council-owned car parks at the Quay and St Johns Hill, Wareham are not included in the free parking offer.

The post Festive free parking in Purbeck appeared first on Dorset news.

Plans are moving forward for the Worgret Road site in Wareham. A masterplan is being worked up by health and social care agencies that will ultimately see a health and care scheme developed.

 

In the meantime, there is demonstrable need for social care housing. So Dorset County Council are proposing to use temporary, modular housing for a short-term solution.

The reasons that people are in need are: discharge from long-term hospital accommodation, moving on from home, or currently living in inappropriate housing.

Relocatable, modular, housing can help with some of this short-term accommodation need. The buildings are made in a factory and lifted into position on site. They can be designed to meet specific needs, such as wheelchair accessibility.

Cllr Beryl Ezzard, county councillor for Wareham, said:

“This type of housing allows the council to use sites while medium and long-term plans are developed. There is a local need for housing and we need it quickly.”

Permanent housing can be developed alongside relocatable housing, giving people the opportunity to see their permanent house being built and then move when complete, freeing up the relocatable housing units for craning off the site and to a new location.

Currently there are 33 local people who need accommodation in the next 12 months. This need is not something that can be met through traditional building programmes. Also, there are 41 people in Purbeck who have a need for housing in the next five years which can be addressed by longer term plans.

A public information event was held 18 October to ask local residents their views on the plans. View this information online . This is an initial informal engagement and there will be a formal planning process in the next few months.

The post Next steps for the former Middle school site appeared first on Dorset news.

Phillip Evans locked himself inside his ex-partner's house in West Moors before setting it alight.

Campaigners claim longer travel times for emergency care would risk patient safety.

Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson says "hunger and desire" took him from non-league football to a first England call-up.

Mother-of-one Carole Packman vanished from the family's Bournemouth home 33 years ago.

Colonel Roddy Lee was accused of fraudulently claiming allowances for his children's school fees.

We are delighted to offer free parking in some of our council-owned car parks in the run up to Christmas this year.

Car Parks taking part

Blandford Forum         All car parks free all day for small business Saturday  1 December                                                        All car parks free all day for Blandford Yuletide festival 12 December                                                  Christmas concessionary parking on Saturday 8 and 15 December

Bridport                            All car parks free Wednesday 5 December

Dorchester                       Free parking all day on Saturday 8, 15, 22 and Monday 24 December

Shaftesbury                     Free parking all day on  Saturday 8, 15, and 22 December

Sherborne                        Free parking every Monday in December (except 31 December)

Sturminster Newton   Free parking on Saturday 1 Dec and Tuesday 1 January

Cllr Mary Penfold, West Dorset District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Enabling, said: “We are delighted to offer free parking in our wonderful and unique county town for Christmas shoppers, or those wishing to indulge in our wonderful cultural attractions.”

Cllr Sherry Jespersen, North Dorset district Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community and
Regeneration, said: “We hope these free parking initiatives will give a boost to the towns’ businesses during the festive trading period. There are lots of economic challenges facing our local businesses, but this initiative will allow visitors and tourists to enjoy a leisurely shopping experience.”

Small Business Saturday

Small business Saturday is a grassroots campaign that highlights small business success. The campaign encourages customers to support small businesses in their communities. It will take place on Saturday 1 December.

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