Due to overrunning engineering works between Brockenhurst and Christchurch all lines are blocked this morning. We will be bringing you latest updates.

An owner of a popular fish and chip restaurant is set to open a new pub next month, "bringing the traditions of a traditional British pub back to life”.

RESIDENTS gathered at a community centre today to celebrate announcement of £20 million of long‑term investment secured through the Pride in Place Programme.

A prolific shoplifter from Bournemouth has been jailed for nearly four months and banned from Castlepoint Shopping Park for the next two years.

A heathland that was turned to sand after a devastating fire last summer will take around 70 years to recover, say experts.

Police warn UK residents about a rise in counterfeit banknotes. Check cash carefully; Bank of England won’t reimburse fake notes.

A NEW exhibition highlighting the “crucial and unseen role of the Royal Corps of Signals” during WWII has opened for public.

Queensmount Bupa Care Home Bournemouth unveils £1.8m refurbishment, with upgraded lounges, bedrooms and facilities. Rated 'outstanding' by CQC.

Mulligans Bournemouth reintroduces its No Phone Zone this Easter, encouraging families to enjoy device-free fun and free kids’ meals during school holidays.

Taken as a whole, these three independent maxims form a surprisingly cohesive picture.

Dorset Police launch sixth round of Operation Relentless Community Fund, supporting local groups to tackle anti-social behaviour and build safer communities.

Boscombe to receive £20m Labour Government investment. Independent Chair sought to lead community board, ensuring local voices shape regeneration plans.

New 'Fresh Thoughts' domestic abuse support booklet by Soroptimists, praised by Jess Phillips MP, expands from Dorset to England, offering vital help for women.

Daily Echo readers have shared their thoughts on the upcoming elections for new town councils in Bournemouth, Poole, and Broadstone.

Extinction Rebellion Dorset staged a symbolic “World Water Wedding” on World Water Day to highlight UK river pollution and sewage discharges in the River Stour.

Myles Smith announces 2026 UK & Ireland tour including Bournemouth date, supporting new album My Mess, My Heart, My Life, with tickets on sale soon.

Heathland House care home residents and families completed a Race Across Dorset, visiting local landmarks and boosting community spirit.

Bournemouth Samaritans are relaunching a campaign that aims to save lives through small talk and simple questions.

Parley Place Care Home in West Parley hosted a free community pampering event with haircuts, beauty treatments, and cream tea, supported by Barchester.

STARS Dorset expands its SEND consent education across Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and Dorset, supporting young people with workshops and resources.

Bill Ryder-Jones, ex-The Coral, brings his debut album 'If...' to Poole’s St. Peter’s on 24 March, marking its 15th anniversary with a special solo show.

New menopause support courses launch at BH Live Active, Littledown, Bournemouth. Rise and Shine boosts women’s health, wellbeing and confidence for just £20.

YMCA Bournemouth launches Mini Medics first aid training at The Junction, teaching children life-saving skills and confidence through hands-on courses.

Hundreds attended Verwood & District Horticultural Society’s 2026 Spring Show, with new daffodil categories, craft exhibits, and school scarecrow winners.

Bournemouth Town Centre BID launches Lunchtime Learning seminars for business owners, offering expert-led sessions on networking, and practical advice.

I resent having to pay extra on my council tax bill for a Bournemouth town clerk (salary around £80,000) to support the town council in organising, as the leader of BCP Council says in her budget statement, "Christmas lights, hanging baskets, commun...

Domestic Angels, based in Bournemouth, wins Domestic Cleaning Company of the Year 2026 at the South West England Prestige Awards.

Bournemouth musician Chris Payn wowed a full house at The Three Compasses, Dorchester, performing with Chris Jagger. Solo album set for UK release soon.

Avon Reach care home resident Peggy Lill fulfils her dream of meeting meerkats at Marwell Zoo, thanks to staff arranging a special outing from Mudeford.

The Mowlem theatre in Swanage hosts its first Big Weekend on 30–31 May, with arts workshops, family events, opera, cinema, and special guests in Purbeck.

The viral TikToker, Spudman, is set to serve his popular hot potatoes in Bournemouth.

Queen Anne Drive and Magna Road, Poole, to close for highway maintenance by BCP Council in April 2026. Diversions via Ringwood Road and Canford Way.

Hastings Road, Poole, will close 28 March–12 April 2026 for electric connection works by Connect It Utility Services. Diversions and restrictions apply.

Creekmoor Park and Ride in Poole to close from April 2026 to October 2027 for conversion into a padel tennis centre, BCP Council confirms.

Higher Blandford Road, Poole, will be closed to all vehicles from 16–26 March 2026 for Wessex Water works. Diversion in place; council issues public notice.

Intermittent closures on Deansleigh Road near Royal Bournemouth Hospital from March 2026–September 2027 during emergency helicopter landings.

HALF a dozen sex offenders were reported missing from Dorset, including a high-risk offender.

Two Dorset farmers are singing their way onto the national stage after their choir struck gold on Britain’s Got Talent

Plans to use former NHS land for housing have been thrown out after sparking a large number of objections

A donkey has been killed in the New Forest

A POOLE couple have been told to tear down a 6.5ft garden fence after officers said it was “visually dominant” and "not reflective of the character."

Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole Council has announced the name and design of its new Residents Card which will offer households more for their money with discounts and offers on council run businesses.

TradePod in Ringwood marks its first anniversary as the UK’s first business hub for tradespeople, offering workspace, support, and community.

Beach tourists ignored warning signs to access one of the UK's most popular beauty spots - despite it being closed for safety reasons.

A car has crashed into the waters of Sopley Brook outside a much loved pub.

OFFICERS have launched an investigation into an alleged assault after crowd trouble broke out during Weymouth Football Club's game with Yate on Saturday.

A violent sex offender from Weymouth has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for rape and multiple counts of sexual assault

Police have released an image of a man they want to identify after a woman was sexually assaulted in Weymouth

Planned roadworks have been announced by BCP Council and are expected to cause delays of varying severity.

A MAN who was arrested on suspicion of murder in Dorset last year has been released from under investigation and will face no further action.