BBC Dorset

The country road that leads towards a popular monument has been closed after a large hole opened up in the tarmac a council has confirmed.In a Facebook post, Dorset Council announced the emergency closure of the C112 near Martinstown, near Dorchester, which connects to the Hardy Monument.It was built in 1844 in memory of Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy, Flag Captain of HMS Victory at the Battle of Trafalgar, and is a popular beauty spot with panoramic views…

Sophie CridlandSouth of EnglandBBCAbout 20 of John Inman's pantomime dame costumes are now owned by Weymouth pantomime dame Jamie RidingA larger than life wig, more make up than you feel comfortable in and a big frilly dress are what makes a traditional pantomime dame.The comedic character is traditionally a male in drag and the late actor, John Inman, played the dame many times.Some of the Are You Being Served? TV legend's costumes have been handed down to the…

Trevor BevinsLocal Democracy Reporting ServiceLDRSKingston Maurward House has been described as "a fine example of a Georgian English country housePlans to use a synthetic covering to repair the roof of a Grade 1 listed manor house "would cause harm" to the building's historic status, experts have said. The agricultural college based at Kingston Maurward House, near Dorchester in Dorset, has applied to replace a flat roof to prevent leaks.But Historic England said the materials proposed would be "not…

Beach chalets and pedalos at a popular seaside resort will not be making a return in 2026, following an "emotional decision" by the family that runs them.The facilities at Weymouth, Dorset, have been run by the same family since the early 1960s but they say the seasonal businesses has become increasingly unsustainable.Weymouth Town Council said the lease had been due to run until 2029 but councillors had agreed a request to end it early and would consider future…

Work to fix the leaking roof of a seaside theatre is set to begin in January following a fundraising campaign.The Mowlem Theatre in Swanage, Dorset, started a six-week appeal in October to raise £10,000 to fix the flat roof.Executive director Kate McGregor said it had exceeded its target, with money donated from people all over the UK."It's galvanised the community and shown us how important the Mowlem is to residents and visitors," she said.The theatre said its programme…

When you think of orchestral performances, you might picture musicians dressed in tuxedos on a grand stage, before rows of people in the audience. But the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is stepping away from the stereotype to bring its music into the community.Members have taken to a slightly smaller stage than they are used to, performing for Christmas shoppers at Boscombe's Sovereign shopping centre in Dorset.It is part of a community outreach programme to share its music with…

Chiltern RailwaysTrain services will finish earlier than usual on Christmas EveTimetable changes will affect travel across the south during the festive period, with most services on land and sea reduced on and around Christmas Day.South Western RailwayTrain services across the network will end earlier than usual on Christmas Eve, and will not run on Christmas Day or Boxing Day.Major engineering work to tracks, switches and crossings, signalling systems, and electrical supplies, will take place between London Waterloo and…