A man has been sentenced for more than four years after he punched, strangled, headbutted and spat at a woman, leaving her 'haunted by the flashbacks of his violence'.

The Environment Agency will deliver £1.4bn of flood defences by 2027, funding major schemes in Wessex, Wiltshire, Somerset, Bristol and Dorset.

AN INDEPENDENT vintage store has opened in Boscombe’s Royal Arcade, with its owner describing it as part of a “growing wave” of businesses helping to revitalise the area.

A woman stole nearly £1,000 worth of stuffed toys over a three-day shoplifting spree.

Rampant antisocial behaviour (ASB) and homeless people living in a empty property has made a resident feel “scared” to live on their street.

A group of residents have raised concerns that a proposal to build up to 800 homes in the New Forest will have a “devastating” impact on their community and worsen flooding in the area.

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Comic Con is arriving at a major town centre venue with a star studded line up including a former Dr Who and sci-fi film stars.

A Dorset based author has had her latest novel scouted by Hollywood actress and director Reese Witherspoon with talks of turning it into a film.

TWO students from Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) have secured internships with Lush Cosmetics after impressing judges by their "exemplary work" in a competition.

The building which, by accident, came to possess some of the greatest acoustics in Europe.

OLDER people in the Wimborne area say concerns about public loos are leading to a loss of confidence – and unwillingness to leave home in the worst cases. Accessibility issues and cleanliness all feature in a survey about public toilets in the area...

A flower farm based in the New Forest is bringing people together through creativity and nature by hosting it's 'Flower Fix' weekly workshops.

Brockenhurst College hosted British Science Week with a Red Bull Racing F1 car, STEM workshops, and awards, inspiring pupils from Ballard and Priestlands.

The UK government launches a £1bn jobs and training scheme to create 200,000 jobs and apprenticeships, offering incentives for young people and employers.

A Bournemouth man is wanted on suspicion of witness intimidation and breaching court bail.

It's the ancient New Forest cottage that found fame more than a century ego when a biplane crash landed on the roof

Sheena Dayman, YMCA Bournemouth events manager, brings joy to her community through kindness, fundraising events, and resilience, inspiring others.

English National Ballet presents My First Ballet: Cinderella at Lighthouse Poole, 18–19 April—an enchanting, family-friendly show for children from age three.

Child sexual abuse image crimes rise by 37% in South West, says NSPCC, urging tougher tech safeguards and government action to protect UK children online.

Girlguiding South West England and ICE launch a new civil engineering badge in Dorset, inspiring girls to pursue STEM careers with engineering challenges.

Dorset Police boost shoplifting convictions with NiCE Investigate, a digital platform enabling retailers to upload CCTV and evidence.

New Forest District Council launches consultation on Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy. Residents invited to give feedback online or at local events.

Harold G Walker Solicitors led a Wimborne Minster litter pick, backed by local councils, raising awareness about littering and community action.

Dorset charity Diverse Abilities launches SEN after-school club at Nature Nook, offering nature-based activities for children aged 6+ and their families.

New Forest for Ukraine charity in Lymington collects 1,500 chocolate Easter bunnies for Ukrainian communities affected by war. Donate by 23 March.

Bournemouth Town Centre BID boosts graffiti removal, cleaning 65 sites in January 2026 to support local businesses and maintain a welcoming environment.

Fly2help’s AirSmiles Day at Bournemouth Airport brought joy to the Bennett family with supercars, aviation experiences, and community support for charity.

Entries are now open for the 2026 Sarah Green Golf Tournament at Christchurch Golf Course near Bournemouth. Join for charity, prizes, and a fun-filled day.

The Talented Mr Ripley at Lighthouse Poole: Ed McVey stars in Mark Leipacher’s stylish stage adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s crime thriller.

MSP Capital appoints Richard Cargill as IT & Transformation Director. The Poole lender boosts tech leadership to support loan book growth and UK expansion.

Josh Byrne, 22, is building his career with a Quantity Surveying Degree Apprenticeship at Whitefox in Bournemouth, combining work and study at Portsmouth.

Pam Woodall’s award-winning wildlife garden in Canford Cliffs, Poole, competes in BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine’s Best of the Best 2024. Public voting now open.

Explore Wilberforce Green in Bransgore with a hard hat tour by Wyatt Homes on March 21. View new build homes, meet the team, and reserve your place.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner reopens Operation Relentless Community Fund for anti-social behaviour projects.

Help protect Dorset heathland birds like the nightjar and Dartford warbler by staying on paths, keeping dogs on leads, and following nesting season guidelines.

See the world’s fastest monowheel at the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum, with this Guinness World Record holder now on display.

Lansdowne Road, Bournemouth, will close to all vehicles from 23 March to 13 April 2026 for BCP Council highway upgrades. Diversions and parking bans apply.

Neo Restaurant, Exeter Road, Bournemouth seeks new premises licence for alcohol, late-night refreshment, and entertainment. Public comments by 24 March 2026.

Cromer Road in Bournemouth will close for SGN gas mains replacement from 23 March to 1 May 2026. Diversions in place; emergency and resident access maintained.

Emer Druce applies for a premises licence for Sham Rocks Music Festival 2026 at Fawcetts Field, New Milton. Submit commentsby 2 April.

The Guildhall Tavern in Poole has applied to BCP Council to serve outdoor alcohol and host live music. Public comments open until 25 March 2026.

Dorset coroner appeals for next of kin of Peter Smith, 57, who died in Ferndown on 12 March 2026. Death not suspicious. Contact 01202 123900 with info.

A multi-million pound project to lay a massive new cycle lane that is wider than the road next to it has been branded a 'monumental waste of public money'.

Outdoor yoga and Pilates classes are returning to the sands of Alum Chine for the 6th year as part of a 'community summer beach season'.

Meningitis B affected 378 people in the most recent statistics from 2024-2025

The chairman of the National Pharmacy Association said there was currently no stock of meningitis B vaccines for people to pay for privately.

Find out what meningitis is, if it's contagious, how it spreads, the signs and symptoms, and what vaccines can help prevent certain causes of meningitis

was dreamt up and rigorously tested right here on our doorstep.

AN IMAGE has been released of a man in connection with criminal damage to a car, after he reportedly “climbed on top of it and repeatedly jumped on the roof.”