A PROPERTY developer has said its he wants to create the “pinnacle of entertainment” in Bournemouth after acquiring the Royal Exeter Hotel and 1812 cocktail bar.

A WOMAN was forced to lock herself inside a bus for safety after a man sexually assaulted her at a bus stop in Bournemouth town centre, a court heard.

A special Spitfire flight marking the aircraft’s 90th anniversary will depart Exeter at 10am on Friday, April 17, flying over Dorset

Mid Dorset and North Poole MP criticises the underfunding for Dorset Police over its failure to tackle phone theft, claiming the offence has been “effectively decriminalised” as charge rates drop below two per cent.

TWO campsite proposals are seeking approval to ensure they meet environmental protection rules in Purbeck.

Campaigners are fighting to have an historic New Forest flag recognised amid concerns about the area’s identity being lost in a council shake-up.

Hundreds of people rallied outside council offices in support of a petition to stop the split of the New Forest.

Few groups are as intriguing as Rosicrucian Order Crotona Fellowship when it comes to early twentieth-century British occultism

The lowland heath in the New Forest has been recognised as one of Britain's best natural wonders that you need to see in your lifetime

A phone box on Lymington High Street is set to be removed following a decision by New Forest District Council.

Feathered friends and outdoor life at Great Oaks Care Home.

Potholes across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have increased by nearly 400 per cent compared to the same time last year.

A stolen digger was located in the back of a van using cloned plates to conceal

Heavy traffic and delays are being reported across BCP roads- updates to follow.

A man in all black clothing reportedly stole an electric bike from outside a pub in Broadstone.

NHS spring Covid-19 vaccine bookings now open for over-75s, care home residents, and those with weakened immunity. Book by 29 June for protection.

Studland Bay named among UK’s top hidden gem beaches by GO Outdoors, ranking fifth for spring visits based on weather, reviews, and coastal beauty.

Bike Nights return to Poole Quay in 2026, running Tuesdays from April to September. Sponsored by Poole BID and Hall & Woodhouse. Free entry.

Freya Ridings announces Lighthouse Poole date on her UK Mother Of Pearl Tour, with tickets on sale from 17 April. New album out 29 May via BMG.

Salamander Cookshop wins Business of the Year at Wimborne Business Awards 2026, with local independents and Museum of East Dorset also honoured for excellence.

Bournemouth University is launching a nature themed literary anthology in celebration of national Earth Day in April 2026.

Evolve launches Accidental Managers Programme in Poole to equip first-time managers with leadership, team management, and negotiation skills. Starts 12 May.

Join the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Seaside Scramble in Baiter Park, Poole, on 9 May. Support the charity with this fun 5K obstacle event.

Join a free health talk in Bournemouth on 20 April to learn about the emergency care journey—from 999 call to hospital—featuring UHD and ambulance experts.

Alan Tootell, Bevin Boy and care home resident at Heathland House, Ferndown, celebrates 100th birthday with family, staff and tree planting ceremony.

Krystel Vida launches Fight Like A Lady self-defence workshop in Bournemouth to empower women against violence. Event at The Nici, 2 May.

A Saying Goodbye remembrance service for baby loss will be held at Wimborne Minster on 17 May 2026, led by Mariposa International and Zoe Clark-Coates MBE.

Staff at Poole-based exhibition stand designers Quadrant2Design have been told they can no longer share birthday cakes at work due to fears over “legal exposure”.

Will the Conservatives be totally wiped out next month within BCP authority?

Young motorcyclists in Dorset can book free DocBike NextGen rider training in 2026. Boost safety, skills, and confidence—includes kit, lock, and first aid.

Broadstone ranked UK’s third best place for older adults, study finds, praised for flat terrain, high retirement lifespan, GP access and age-friendly amenities.

A canine contestant from Bransgore has been selected as a finalist for a national competition to find the 'UK’s scruffiest dog'.

Record numbers of young Britons are emigrating, with 130,000+ aged 20-29 leaving the UK in 2025, citing economic pressures and seeking global opportunities.

Lawton Engineering in Poole marks 25 years of manufacturing copper and alloy components for automotive, marine, electronics, and clean energy sectors UK-wide.

Dorset coroner appeals for next of kin of Trevor Harold Pepper, 81, who died in Bournemouth on 9 April 2026. No suspicious circumstances reported.

Dorset coroner appeals for next of kin of Keith Robert Smith, 50, from Bournemouth, who died on Christchurch Road on 11 April 2026. Contact 01202 123900.

Bournemouth Freemasons donate nearly £100,000 to 30 local charities, supporting causes like Bournemouth Hospital, Macmillan Caring Locally, and more.

New Forest District Council launches phase 3 of its waste and recycling service from May 2026 for Totton, Lyndhurst, Hythe and more. Check bin delivery updates.

Pound Lane in Poole will close for SSE utility works from 5 May to 15 June 2026, with diversions via Fernside Road. BCP Council advises possible delays.

Aldi applies for licence to sell alcohol 6am–midnight at Canford Bottom, Wimborne. Dorset Council invites public comments by 27 April 2026.

Mudeford Cricket Club applies to BCP Council to extend alcohol sales at its Ledbury Road ground, Christchurch. Public comments invited until 28 April 2026.

Bailey Crescent, Poole, will close from 4 May–26 June 2026 for SGN gas main works. Diversion via Wimborne Road. BCP Council manages closure.

Jazz Coffee & Bar in Bournemouth seeks a premises licence for alcohol sales, live music and films. Public comments to BCP Council due by 23 April 2026.

FILM crews took over a street of Bournemouth to shoot a new independent production described as a “love letter to 1930s and 40s screwball comedies.”

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

A NEW restaurant is set to open after taking over a unit in Bournemouth town centre.

Research has shown that many travellers underestimate the need for protection when visiting familiar holiday hotspots in and around Europe

Travellers have left a council car park after setting up camp.

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Comedian Michael McIntyre headlines a charity show at Lighthouse Concert Hall on 10 May. Proceeds support Julia's House children's hospice. Tickets on sale now.