A woman was hit with a £100 fine after an eight-minute stay in a Poole car park, saying she was unable to pay despite multiple attempts.

A LOLLIPOP lady fears ‘children will lose their lives’ after the council prepares to axe her position outside a school.

New renter protections in England begin 1 May under the Renters’ Rights Act, ending no-fault Section 21 evictions and boosting security for tenants.

Neil Duncan-Jordan MP introduces Hunting Act 2004 Amendment Bill to Parliament, aiming to close fox hunting loopholes and ban trail hunting.

A man was knocked unconscious and left with a broken jaw after an alleged attack outside a bar.

Plans have been submitted to turn a well-known restaurant in Christchurch into an 18-bed hotel to support the operation of a pub.

The release of a Michael Jackson musical biopic, a psychological drama film and a children’s animated film are among films shown in BCP cinemas this weekend.

Drivers across the Waterside area of the New Forest are being warned about a set of 30, 40 and 50 miles per hour speed limit changes affecting the A326 and surrounding roads.

A major search was launched with a rescue helicopter at Bournemouth Pier after reports of a person in the water.

A suspected unexploded ordnance on Southbourne Beach prompted a call-out for rescuers.

Grenadian-Canadian folk artist Kaïa Kater makes her Poole debut at Lighthouse on 6 May, performing tracks from acclaimed new album Strange Medicine.

UB40 announce 2026 Unstoppable UK tour with special guests Maxi Priest and Aswad, performing at Bournemouth International Centre on 18 June. Tickets out now.

A remarkable collection of nearly 50 classic motorcycles, including Triumph and Norton models, is to be auctioned at Haynes Motor Museum on 18 June.

Soaring fuel prices due to US-Israel war with Iran has put a “considerable strain" on taxi drivers and businesses across BCP.

Dorset charities PramaCare and Care South to merge from May 2026, combining home care and nail care services while ensuring continuity for local clients.

Gareth Hurford of Hurfords Heating Ltd, Fordingbridge, named South West’s top heating installer in 2026 Heating Installer Awards for a Grade II listed project.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears at Wimborne’s Tivoli Theatre wins Best Ensemble at the 2026 Pantomime Awards.

Celebrate Early May Bank Holiday 2026 at Corfe Castle with the National Trust—medieval crafts, live music, family activities, and May Day traditions in Dorset.

Trethowans promotes solicitors Bonnie Ward, Dan Clark, and Katie Bickerstaff to partner roles.

Oak Academy students performed Afsaneh Gray's Fishville at MAST Studios, Southampton, for the 2026 NT Connections youth theatre festival.

A young school girl undergoing cancer treatment has been able to return home, go to school and spend time with loved one thanks to a portable pump provided by Southampton Hospital.

Pantomime returns to Bournemouth Pavilion as Jamie Steen stars as Widow Twankey in Aladdin, 5 Dec 2026–3 Jan 2027. Produced by UK Productions Ltd.

Bayside Academy in Poole partners with National Trust for a Forest School programme, helping pupils connect with nature, boost wellbeing, and learn outdoors.

Two Bournemouth commercial properties, including Winton retail and leisure site let to B&M and Snap Fitness, to be auctioned by Acuitus on May 6.

Growing Communities Networking Events by Plants and Minds boost mental health support in BCP, connecting local charities and services.

More than 1,100 species recorded in New Forest as £1.3m Species Survival Fund project boosts biodiversity, with pine marten breeding and habitat restoration.

The Parks Foundation launches Big Give Earth Raise to double donations for biodiversity projects in BCP parks, 22–29 April.

Children across Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, and Oxfordshire join World of Swimming’s penguin-themed fundraiser to raise £10,000 for Marwell Zoo.

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra brings monthly live classical music to Marjorie House care home in Poole, enriching dementia care and resident wellbeing.

New Milton Over 35s win Daddy Gill Cup at Norman’s Way, beating Under 35s 43–26. Club raises £1,000 for Elsie’s Rose charity and celebrates with live music.

In a quiet suburb of Bournemouth, there's a secret, paved map of American political power.

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

The freehold to a mixed use property on Winton high street is set to go for auction with a guide price of more than £2.95 million.

A primary school in Christchurch has received praise for its inclusive approach and strong pastoral support following its most recent Ofsted inspection.

Brittany Ferries has announced their timetables for trips to France and Spain for 2027.

Sir Ed Davey recently visited Upton Heath after a section of the nature reserve was saved after being 'under threat' from a private sale.

I tested the Cuisinart 3-in-1 BBQ Grill and Pizza Oven - a BBQ, griddle and pizza oven in one. With £50 off right now, here’s whether it’s worth buying.

Lidl’s egg BBQ is expected to sell out quickly as it's £900 cheaper than the Big Green Egg - act fast or risk missing out.

Drivers have been warned by the DVLA if they need to get their cars back on the road.

A Nationwide warning has been issued as new research reveals how a fast-growing scam is targeting particular victims.

A government appeal has been issued as hundreds of thousands may have unclaimed HMRC cash worth around £2,200.

Martin Lewis has issued a warning to holidaymakers heading abroad, highlighting a simple card mistake that could end up costing more than people realise.

A Dorset reader argues that poor driver indicator use is behind too many avoidable crashes – and warns drivers may soon face fines and higher insurance costs.

Residents have been left 'gutted' after vandals smashed and flooded a historic village hall during a six-figure refurbishment.

Jacob Halling won Young Fundraiser of the Year at Muscular Dystrophy's Stronger Together Awards for fundraising in support of muscle-wasting conditions.

Government terminates Capita contract over Royal Mail pension scheme failures, affecting 1,300 members. Capita faces scrutiny for public sector pension delays.

Dorset’s women’s health research by Bournemouth University and NHS Dorset is recognised in the UK Government’s updated Women’s Health Strategy 2026.

More than 1,100 species have been recorded during a two-year biodiversity survey in the New Forest.

Ambulance crews have responded to a major crash on the A338.

A WOMAN forged childminder invoices to fraudulently claim more than £28,000 in benefits.