Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

Plans have been submitted to retain a laundrette in Bournemouth after an earlier retrospective application was refused by BCP Council.

Four drivers have been issued tickets for speeding on a busy road in the New Forest.

File this under unexpectedly good, heartwarming, life-affirming even.

Having only ever previously encountered Grace Petrie in festival situations, here was an excellent chance to catch the singer-songwriter’s full theatre set.

The new Wetherspoon opens on September 29 after a £1m refurbishment, creating 50 jobs and a thatched-roof community pub.

The Padel Dorset Expo will take place on Saturday, January 23, 2027, at the Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel.

Envisage Digital, based in Bournemouth, was shortlisted in three categories and took home a bronze award at the 2026 eCommerce Awards.

Hoburne Park’s Compass Restaurant in Highcliffe welcomed 170 local residents for a complimentary taster night.

Changes to shops, hotels and other buildings in Sherborne town centre have been approved by Dorset Council.

Dorset Council has approved five schemes in Verwood, including eight new homes, the conversion of existing buildings to residential use and a secure dog-walking field.

Dorset Council approves plans to split Gillingham’s former Original Factory Shop in Station Road into two units, with 22 car parking spaces retained on site.

Bournemouth-based charity CMTUK is marking its 40th anniversary during CMT Awareness Month this October.

Vue Poole has announced a spine-tingling line-up of horror favourites and new releases to celebrate Halloween, with something for everyone.

A vintage Omega wristwatch is set to go under the hammer next month, estimated to sell for £6,000 at auction next month

Nicky Pritchard, 33, from Poole, has been searching for Rubie, a Jellycat plush red panda, since she went missing on September 22.

Forest Road in Bransgore will close on 30 September 2026 for pole replacement works by Circet UK. Hampshire County Council advises alternative routes.

Gullivers Farm, Dewflock Farm and Sopley Farm are among the Dorset sites you can pick your own pumpkin at fo 2026

London Lane, Sopley, will close on 29 September 2026 for pole replacement works. Diversions via B3347. Hampshire County Council public notice details.

Criminals jailed in August include rapist who forced himself on a woman after he locked her in a toilet, a man who went on a vandalism rampage and a petrol station robber.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole drivers face road closures and temporary road works in September/October due to BCP Council and utility works. Expect delays

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.