Staff at a Poole secondary school have said they are “disgusted” over a proposed 75 per cent reduction in SEND teaching assistants.

Bournemouth East MP Tom Hayes supports World Book Day, urging more children to read for fun as UK studies show one in three lack enthusiasm for reading.

AN ARTIST from Southbourne says he had a “lovely experience” after becoming a finalist on a televised art competition.

Millions of Brits have been warned that the tree pollen season is expected to begin this week and will continue for months.

Pixar’s latest animated film, a British comedy-drama, and a new interpretation on the Bride of Frankenstein, are among films shown across BCP this weekend.

A motorcyclist was fined after he was caught doing a wheelie in Poole.

A robber who threatened a victim with a knife before stealing jewellery from their home has been jailed for a decade.

Improvements in climate action is significant but more needs to be done to reach targets.

“Heroic” efforts of council teams involved in increased parking fine trial have been highlighted as cabinet approves seeking stronger powers to tackle illegal parking across the whole of BCP.

Dorset Council will spend £1 million this winter combatting adverse weather conditions as new data reveals the county is one of the most affected by flood alerts

The New Forest National Park Authority’s free open day will be held in Lyndhurst on March 22.

Community groups in the New Forest can now apply for up to £500 from the Camping New Forest Grant.

A man with Alzheimer’s from Wimborne has been convicted after the car he can no longer drive was left uninsured for less than two weeks.

A live WW2 Mauser bullet was found in a Panzer III tank at The Tank Museum, Dorset, ahead of Tiger Day. Ammunition safely deactivated by staff.

Join the Hope & Hounds charity dog walk in Bournemouth on 29 March, supporting Hope HTS and Helpful Hounds. Family fun and fundraising for local causes.

Christchurch Music Festival 2026 brings live music to Christchurch Quay, 17–19 July. Line-up includes S Club stars, The Real Thing, Toploader and more.

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Poole’s Gareth Broom runs the London Marathon to raise funds for Citizens Advice East Dorset and Purbeck, supporting their Advice Bus and vital local services.

Kingland House in Poole’s parent care group named among carehome.co.uk’s Top 20 Care Home Groups UK 2026, praised for outstanding care and resident reviews.

New Forest District Council launches 2026–2029 Housing Landlord ASB Strategy to tackle anti-social behaviour, support tenants, and improve community safety.

Award-winning gardener Sue Kent inspired Verwood Horticultural Society with her RHS Hampton Court garden talk, championing inclusive gardening in the UK.

Castleman Community Larder in West Moors wins High Sheriff Award for tackling food insecurity and supporting over 1,600 households across East Dorset.

Nearly 1 in 4 patients miss NHS appointments due to forgetting or lateness. NHS England urges use of NHS App notifications to reduce missed bookings.

Bournemouth Bach Choir performs Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610 at Salisbury Cathedral on 14 March with The Sixteen and QuintEssential. Book tickets now.

BCP Council to begin £3m East Cliff stabilisation in Bournemouth from 2026 after 2016 landslip. Project aims to secure seafront and restore access.

Experience après-ski fun in Bournemouth as Barbara’s Bier Haus marks its first birthday with alpine-inspired parties, themed brunch, and lively nightlife.

A new defibrillator funded by Cala Homes’ Community Pledge has been installed at Hamworthy Club, Canford Magna, boosting emergency support for Wimborne.

The Greenman pub in Wimborne raised £500 for Wimborne Foodbank with a giant breakfast challenge. Publicans, diners and the town crier supported the fundraiser.

Connect to Work launches in Dorset and BCP, offering £9.3m DWP-backed employment support for disabled residents and those with health conditions.

Greene King pubs join Macmillan’s Early Bell campaign, ringing bells at 6pm to raise prostate cancer awareness and promote early detection across the UK.

Boscombe: Beyond Your Eyes exhibition by Adilson Naueji runs at Boscombe Arts Depot, March–April 2026, celebrating local community and challenging stereotypes.

Discover Professor David Olusoga’s live show on the global history of Britain’s national drink, tea, at The Barn on 17 July 2026. Tickets available now.

A town centre casino is undergoing major expansion following changes made in a governmental review of the Gambling Act 2005.

Pupils from Ringwood Junior School are taking part in this years’ s TCS Mini London Marathon, taking place on 25 April.

New Forest District Council approves 2026–28 Domestic Abuse Strategy, focusing on early intervention, support for victims, and multi-agency partnership.

Pennyfarthing Homes donates £2,500 to Friends of New Milton Station to help restore the Victorian Station Master’s House into a community heritage centre.

Cygnet Group, operator of Amberwood Lodge and Nightingale, shortlisted for two HealthInvestor Awards after £132m UK mental health investment and expansion.

Parley Community Pre School in Dorset earns strong standard rating in Ofsted’s new inspection, praised for creativity, outdoor learning, and quality childcare.

Ringwood residents sign petition urging Hampshire County Council to fix persistent flooding by improving drains and ditches after repeated flood damage.

Haycrafts Lane in Harmans Cross will close from 9 March–24 April 2026 for Wessex Water main works. Dorset Council diversion via B3069/A351. Road closure info.

Dorset Council announces road closures and parking restrictions in Portland, Wool, Charminster and Winterborne Monkton this March.

Richard Thomas applies to BCP Council for late-night alcohol and music licence. Public comments on the application are open until 19 March 2026.

After our recent article on the reasons why the Queen Mary 2  is the world's only true, active ocean liner, we thought we'd ask readers for their stories.

THIS BOSCOMBE antiques and vintage shop is celebrating its 30th anniversary in the Royal Arcade.

An underused car park in Poole has been approved for sale to support council financial strategy.

A  junior school in Poole has received a mixed Ofsted report, with inspectors finding that while some areas meet standard expectations, others 'needs attention'.

A consultant was found dead in an on-call room at a hospital, a preliminary inquest hearing has been told.

Virgin Media O2 has warned customers about a new scam email targeting customers impacted by its recent 3G switch-off programme.

Searches for “Making Tax Digital” have surged 614% ahead of a major HMRC tax rule change in April. Here's what you need to know.

Millions of families will see benefits increase in 2026. Here’s the full list of DWP payments rising, from Universal Credit childcare support to maternity pay.