Below are the 30 latest news items
Large fire breaks out in Weymouth
Idris Martin reporting.
A large fire has broken out in Weymouth this afternoon (Sunday) in what is believed to be an electrical sub-station adjacent to the Front Skatepark on Preston Beach Road.
It is not yet clear if any electrical power ...
Public appeal in search for missing woman in Weymouth
Police officers are appealing for information from the public as they search for a missing woman last seen in Weymouth.
Monika, aged 46, was last seen in the area of Juniper Way at around 1pm on Sunday 12 July 2026
She ...
Pre-season Football Results:
Dorchester 5 vs Downton 1.
Goals: Dorchester, Matt Burrows 2, Matt Buse, Freddie Beale, Corby Moore.
Gosport Borough 2 vs Weymouth 2.
Goals: Weymouth, Tom Bearwish, Tor Swann.
Saltash 1 vs Portland United 2.
Dorset League Cricket Results:
Broadstone beat Bere Regis by ...
You’re invited to the Mayor’s Tea Party
The Mayor of Dorchester, Cllr Les Fry, is holding a Tea Party in the Corn Exchange on 16th August.
The event will raise funds for the Mayor’s chosen charties – Prostate Cancer UK, People First and Dorchester Youth & Community ...
Dorchester Football Club Press Release:
Dorchester Town Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of Jayden Nielsen ahead of the 2026/27 season.
A wide player comfortable on either wing, Jayden arrives at The Avenue following two seasons with Taunton Town, ...
Public loo charges in Weymouth
by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
Card payment charges are set to be introduced at another public loo in Weymouth town centre as part of a refurbishment scheme for the Grade II listed Maiden Street conveniences.
The payment decision has already ...
Dorchester Shopfront of the Season Awards Open on 10th July
Nominations for the Summer Shopfront of the Season Awards open on Friday 10th July and close on Monday 10th August 2026. The theme for this season is Clean, Bright and full of Summer! Public can nominate any Dorchester town‑centre ...
Renewed appeal following burglary in Weymouth
Police officers are renewing their appeal for information following a burglary where jewellery was stolen from an address in Weymouth.
Between 9pm on Saturday 4 July and 6am on Sunday 5 July 2026, entry was gained to an address in ...
Too hot for humans? Just think what it’s like for our equine friends. If you live near the sea what better way to cool off than a dip in Weymouth Bay.
Our reporter Idris Martin snapped these beauties (the horses ...
Coastal Combat Festival applies for drinks licence
by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
A combat festival planned for Weymouth Beach is asking for a drinks licence for the event.
The festival, which will feature cage fighting, boxing, wrestling and other combat sports, will also have live music on ...
Dorset One World Festival returns in August
Dorset One World Festival is back once again to celebrate the diversity of cultures in Dorset through world music, dance, food, and activities.
This free event will be held on Saturday 8th August from 11am-4pm at the Borough Gardens in ...
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery launches Community Access Ticket to remove financial barriers to culture
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery is launching a new Community Access Ticket from Saturday 25 July, designed to make museum visits more affordable for families facing financial barriers.
The Community Access Ticket provides day access for £6.20 per person and ...
Young People Invited to Help Transform Dorchester Telephone Box into Climate Action Showcase
Young people across Dorset are being invited to unleash their creativity as part of a new community competition to transform a historic telephone kiosk in the heart of Dorchester into an inspiring display celebrating climate action, sustainability and nature. ...
Roadside advertising sign for Chickerell nursing home
by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
A large roadside advertising sign is being proposed for a Chickerell care home.
The sign, which would be lit at night, is for the listed Queen Charlotte care home at 432 Chickerell Road.
Documents with the ...
Local retailers urged to suspend disposable barbecue sales during extreme heat
Dorset Council and Litter Free Dorset are calling on retailers across Dorset to temporarily halt the sale of disposable barbecues during periods of extreme heat and heightened wildfire risk, helping to protect the county’s countryside, heathlands, coast and communities.
The ...
by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
An improved Family Hub is to be created at the Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre close to the town centre.
The Marsh Sports Complex in Knightsdale Road will be refurbished and partially altered to create a ...
Community Screening of the National Emergency Briefing Film and Discussion
Members of the public are invited to join St George’s Church, Fordington, and Dorchester Churches Together for a free showing of the National Emergency Briefing film on climate change and its effect on nature.
This high-profile brief, held in Westminster ...
Dorchester shops plan abandoned
By Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
Proposals to bring three former town centre shop units back to Dorchester town centre have floundered.
Only one is now considered viable with the rest of the Princes House space likely to be converted to ...
Two local football clubs have recently issued press releases:
Dorchester Town Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Freddie Beale and Lewis Toms.
A talented hometown winger, Freddie was part of AFC Bournemouth’s academy for several years before joining Eastleigh, ...
Witness appeal following public order incident in Dorchester
Police officers investigating a report of a public order offence in Dorchester are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
At around 3pm on Saturday 4 July 2026 officers responded to a report of a man causing ...
Incredible Weldmar appeal response means additional Cuddle Bed for hospice patients in Dorset
Local charity Weldmar Hospicecare is celebrating an extraordinary fundraising triumph after the community rallied together to raise a stunning £49,320 in less than four weeks for its Cuddle Bed Appeal.
The appeal initially set out with a £30,000 target to ...
Woman who assaulted two people in Weymouth nightclub jailed
A woman who assaulted two people in a Weymouth nightclub has been jailed following a detailed investigation by detectives.
An investigation was launched by detectives from Dorset County CID following a report that during the early hours of Saturday 12 ...
Government legal threat over funding
by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
Legal action could be taken against the Government to improve funding for Dorset Police.
Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said after months of waiting for a reply from the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, about ...
Rachel Farrell confirmed as new Chief Constable of Dorset Police
Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick has welcomed the confirmation of Rachel Farrell as the new Chief Constable of Dorset Police following a hearing by the Dorset Police and Crime Panel.
Rachel Farrell, who currently serves as Deputy Chief Constable, ...
Work starts on Dorset History Centre
by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
WORK has now started on expansion plans for the Dorset History Centre in Dorchester.
County archivist Sam Johnston told a joint BCP-Dorset Council meeting that a £603,000 Lottery development funding, agreed in March, for the ...
Security staff assaulted in Weymouth holiday park – CCTV appeal
Police officers are issuing an image of a man they would like to identify after four security staff were assaulted at a holiday park in Weymouth.
At around 8.25pm on Thursday 18 June 2026, staff at Weymouth Bay Holiday Park ...
Dorset Council responds to criticism over gas leak
by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
Dorset Council have responded to criticism from a resident who was, along with others, evacuated from their homes following a gas leak in Dorchester on Monday morning.
A total of 31 properties in Fordington High ...
by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
A Dorset kart racing circuit which helped launch the careers of Formula One stars Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton is to be demolished under redevelopment plans for the Clay Pigeon leisure complex.
Developers want to ...
Dorset County Hospital emergency and medical care rated ‘good’
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated urgent and emergency care, and medical care, at Dorset County Hospital (DCH) as ‘good’ following an inspection.
An inspection was carried out at the Dorchester hospital in January 2026 as part of the ...
by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
Dorchester’s Susie the Cat is to be immortalised with a South Street statue of the town’s friendly feline.
The pampered puss, which has her own Facebook page with thousands on follows, is having her statue ...