BBC Dorset

Councils in the south say budget fails to address SEND ‘crisis’

Councils in the south say budget fails to address SEND ‘crisis’

Curtis LancasterSouth of EnglandGetty ImagesThe government's spending plan was outlined by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on WednesdayCouncillors have criticised the government's autumn budget for failing to address "unsustainable pressure" on special educational needs and disability (SEND) support.Liberal Democrat councillor Mike Cox, from Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, said he was "disappointed" the "crisis" was not mentioned.It comes after the government's spending plan was outlined by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on Wednesday.The government has announced that SEND provision will be…

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Former Dorset PC’s failures ‘put victims at risk’, hearing told

Former Dorset PC’s failures ‘put victims at risk’, hearing told

Sarah Spina-MatthewsSouth of EnglandDorset PoliceA misconduct hearing was held at Dorset Police's headquartersA former police officer has been found guilty of gross misconduct for recording inaccurate details in safeguarding notices, placing victims and potential victims at "significant risk".Mike Gardiner, who resigned as a PC from Dorset Police in December 2023, was the subject of a misconduct hearing at the force's headquarters in Winfrith this week. The force said that on three occasions in August 2023, Mr Gardiner completed…

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Wessex Cancer Support opens doors to bigger Bournemouth centre

Wessex Cancer Support opens doors to bigger Bournemouth centre

A charity offering support services for people with cancer and their loved ones has moved into larger premises to meet growing demand.Wessex Cancer Support fundraised to move from Hinton Road, Bournemouth - its base for the past 10 years - to create the new centre on Poole Hill.Steffi Colbert, centre manager, said: "This new centre enables us to further develop our support services, at a time when we know there are more people across our local communities who…

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Chatty bench unveiled at Weymouth coastal beautyspot

Chatty bench unveiled at Weymouth coastal beautyspot

A specially created bench to encourage people to talk about their mental health has been installed at a Dorset coastal beauty spot.The so-called chatty bench, hand-painted by local artist Helena Chessher, was unveiled on the hillside at Bowleaze Cove near Weymouth.Passers by are encouraged to sit on the bench if they are open to having a conversation.Dorset Mind said the bench symbolised "hope, warmth, and togetherness".The Chatty Bench campaign, supported by the Dorset Tea company, forms part of…

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Grants awarded to tackle cost-of-living crisis in Dorset

Grants awarded to tackle cost-of-living crisis in Dorset

Organisations tackling the cost-of-living crisis in Dorset have been awarded £80,000 worth of grants.Dorset Community Foundation and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council provided the money to 23 local groups.The council said it would pay for projects providing warm hubs, free meals, cookery workshops and money advice.Council cabinet member Sandra Moore said: "By funding these groups, we are helping to ease the cost-of-living pressures and ensure vital services reach those who need them most.""The incredible efforts of volunteers…

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Was Budget ‘the right thing’ or ‘deeply frustrating’?

Was Budget ‘the right thing’ or ‘deeply frustrating’?

Katie Waple,South of EnglandandStephen Stafford,South of EnglandBBCThe Budget announcements were eagerly followed across the south of EnglandAn increase in the minimum wage, a three-year freeze on income tax thresholds, tax surcharge on properties worth more than £2m and scrapping the two-child benefit cap were among the main announcements in the Budget.Chancellor Rachel Reeves insisted she would not "lose control" of public spending with "reckless borrowing".She told the House of Commons earlier that she would take "fair and necessary…

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First locomotive crosses rail bridge at Shillingstone since 1966

First locomotive crosses rail bridge at Shillingstone since 1966

Volunteers rebuilding a section of railway ripped up in the 1960s are celebrating after witnessing a locomotive cross the station bridge for the first time in nearly 60 years.Shillingstone station in Dorset closed in 1966 but, in 2005, a group of locals took on the lease and began restoration work, initially opening a museum and cafe.In July, North Dorset Railway completed a four-year project to double the length of the track to half a mile (0.8km), with the…

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Dorset farmhouse with ex-ballroom becomes social housing

Dorset farmhouse with ex-ballroom becomes social housing

An old farmhouse with an outbuilding that was formerly used as a ballroom has become a supported living scheme for vulnerable young people.West Farm, at an undisclosed rural location in west Dorset, has been opened for people aged 18 to 25 who are at risk of homelessness.The six-bed unit together with two nearby flats are designed to provide safety and teach independence skills, Dorset Council said.Councillor Gill Taylor, in charge of housing, said residents were being given a…

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Bournemouth Film School receives £1.25m of government funding

Bournemouth Film School receives £1.25m of government funding

A university's film school is to receive £1.25m of government funding.Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) is being awarded the capital funding after making a successful bid to the Office for Students (OfS), a non-departmental public body of the Department for Education.The funds are going towards Bournemouth Film School (BFS), the largest film school outside of London.Jonathan Carr, the school's director, said: "The funding will support investment in buildings, facilities, equipment, innovation and future technology for BFS, further enhancing and…

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Bridge and waterfront repairs overrun at Poole Park

Bridge and waterfront repairs overrun at Poole Park

A road and a popular waterfront path remains closed until mid-December due to challenges in ongoing repair works.Poole Park lagoon, in Poole, Dorset, is a wildlife haven and recreation facility, fed by a sluice channel under nearby Baiter Park and a railway line.Essential repair works to reconstruct the structure of the sluice channel after the piling became heavily corroded started on 21 July and had been expected to be completed by the end of November.Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole…

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