Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

The council's huge debts to support children with special educational needs could be wiped by the government later this year, as the chief executive warns of rising numbers.

Rural policing teams have reported that a 19-year-old man admitted killing birds with a catapult and posting videos of the incidents on social media, alongside a number of other offences.

Council goes "all guns blazing" for Wessex mayor, chief executive says in first Echo interview.

More than 40 new businesses have opened in Bournemouth town centre since the start of 2025, BCP Council says, filling 20 per cent of vacant shop units in the past six months.

The caretaker of a middle school in Wimborne is set to walk the entire distance of the Jurassic coast over five days days to raise money to buy the school a new minivan.

BCP Council chiefs say crime is down and cleaning crews are working flat out, but admit figures will not make people feel safer in Bournemouth town centre.

New Forest Police seized a van for being on the road with no insurance on a major road in Ringwood.

A Bournemouth woman has waived her anonymity after a close friend was convicted of sexually assaulting her.

THE family and loved ones of Craig Hurcombe have shared their feelings after Michael Bretton was jailed for his murder

A FIRE that broke out at an Imerys site and damaged several plant machinery is believed to have been started deliberately.

Christchurch BID has condemned a "horrendous" act of mindless vandalism after one of its dinosaur trail installations was damaged overnight, with its head sawn off and stolen.

A man in his 30s is being treated for serious injuries following a major incident in Boscombe last night and Police are searching for a suspect.

Brussels South Charleroi Airport in Belgium will shut as part of a £43 million (€50 million) redevelopment project.

A young male was caught with a significant amount of cannabis in Ringwood and trying to hide the drugs over a wall.

Summer is in full swing, and the south coast is buzzing with family-friendly events and entertainment.

As the summer holidays continue and all the kids are at home, Picnic's in the park are the perfect way to spend the afternoon outdoors.

Police have carried out high-visibility patrols and community engagement across several east Dorset towns.

Firefighters are dealing with an incident in Dorset this morning with warnings of smoke and steam in the area

The myCityHunt smartphone app is now available in Bournemouth, offering immersive scavenger hunts and interactive tours for families, friends and tourists.

Tardis Environmental UK Ltd applies for an HGV operator licence at Baillie House, Sturminster Marshall, for 2 goods vehicles and 2 trailers. Objections invited.

These old photos show the world-famous beauty spot of Lulworth Cove over the years

Purbeck Cider launches People’s Choice cider in Dorset, donating £1 per litre sold to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Community-grown apples support charity.

Plans for a new 'build your own' waterfront home with panoramic views have been approved for a site in Dorset

Dorset is the location for Mike Leigh's Play For Today, Nuts in May, which is free to watch on BBC iPlayer

A YouTube video provides an insightful look at Brownsea Island in 1962.

Only Fools and Horses repeats are as popular as ever this Christmas - but did you know that the classic BBC comedy was not once, but twice filmed in Dorset?

Sandbanks Ferry staff were 'verbally abused' by passengers during a temporary suspension.

Hundreds of jobs are to be created at a holiday park as part of a major nationwide investment.