Ben Sturt

Art Sushi in Westbourne, Bournemouth, run by Kamil Skalczynski and Natalia Stawicka, serves Spanish bluefin tuna supplied by Balfegó. Skalczynski visited Spain to learn about the supplier’s sourcing, tracking, testing and conservation practices, including swimming with the tuna. The fish reaches Bournemouth within about 48 hours of being caught, and is featured in sashimi, nigiri and California rolls that are praised for their freshness, flavor and careful preparation.

Dorset has been declared officially in drought after recording its driest July on record, with average rainfall below 1mm in August so far and exceptionally low river flows across the region. Parks and recreational grounds in Bournemouth are visibly parched, although limited watering is continuing to protect formal planting, young trees and areas covered by a reseeding arrangement. Climate campaigners and local politicians say the prolonged dry period, following severe flooding earlier in the year, demonstrates increasingly extreme weather linked to climate change. The Environment Agency urges residents to use water wisely, while environmental groups call for stronger emissions reductions, climate adaptation and changes to development, waste and transport policies.

Geoff Daulman, a long-serving Dorset Community Speed Watch volunteer and chairman of the Association of Dorset Watches, received an award recognizing his contribution to road safety. He established the Broadstone team nearly a decade ago, promoted the scheme with senior police leaders, helped improve volunteer uniforms and equipment, and contributed to risk assessments and the Community Speed Watch Improvement Plan. Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick praised Daulman’s leadership and dedication as he retires, while senior officers credited him with constructive feedback that strengthened the countywide program.

Nia Schell says her soft drink was spiked at Barbara’s Bier Haus in Bournemouth after she had consumed little alcohol, leaving her disoriented, unable to recognise faces and dependent on a stranger for help getting home. A second woman alleges she was injected in the leg at the venue and later required hospital treatment. Both women say venue staff were unhelpful, while Barbara’s Bier Haus says it has robust welfare, reporting, CCTV and escalation procedures. Dorset Police confirmed receiving a report concerning the second incident, said no arrests had been made, and urged anyone affected by suspected spiking to report it and seek immediate support.

Two juvenile suspects have been identified in connection with a fire involving bushes and rubbish on a grass hillside on Ling Road, Poole, near Tesco and Tower Park. Firefighters extinguished the blaze shortly after arriving, while Dorset Police are investigating alleged criminal damage and appealing for witnesses. The suspects are assisting police with their enquiries.

A six-foot, seven-year-old pet snake named Nala escaped from her enclosure in Springbourne after apparently getting out through a rear vent. Her owner, Adele, said Nala may have left through an open patio door and appealed to residents, particularly near the fire station, to look out for her. Neighbours offered to help search, while others raised concerns about the snake entering homes or sheds and potentially endangering people or pets if threatened.

Michael Lee Hicks, 46, of Bournemouth, has been charged with eight offences of criminal damage after windows at eight businesses in Southbourne were reportedly smashed during the early hours of 7 June 2026. Dorset Police estimate the total damage at more than £6,000. Hicks is due to appear at Weymouth Magistrates' Court on 13 August 2026.

A prolific shoplifter has received a five-year criminal behaviour order banning them from businesses and shops in Bournemouth Town Centre, Westbourne and Redlands Retail Park, as well as premises where they have been issued a banning notice. Dorset Police have also increased high-visibility patrols in Bournemouth, including the Triangle and beach areas, targeting drug-related activity and anti-social behaviour through dispersal notices and stop searches.

A 27-year-old Bournemouth man suffered serious, potentially life-threatening injuries after being struck by a red Ford Fiesta on the southbound A338 Spur Road near the Kings Park and Springbourne slip roads. He was taken to hospital, while the driver was uninjured. Dorset Police are investigating and appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage, with information requested through police channels or anonymously via Crimestoppers.

Hundreds of people were baptised in the sea at Bournemouth Beach during events organised by 14 churches from the BCP Church Collective, attracting more than a thousand spectators. Citygate Church elder Sean Theunissen described the ceremonies as a powerful display of unity, community support and public declarations of faith, highlighting the growing collaboration among local churches and the significance of sharing transformative experiences publicly.

Residents gathered outside the BCP Civic Centre to protest pollution in Christchurch Harbour, highlighting concerns over sewage, agricultural runoff and landfill contamination. Over 2,200 people signed a petition calling for a harbour protection plan, including designation as a public swimming zone to increase monitoring. Councillor Vanessa Ricketts urged comprehensive policies such as no-net deterioration standards, stricter planning requirements, improved land management and enhanced environmental reporting. Stakeholders from environmental agencies and local organisations agreed action is necessary. BCP Council is expected to consider the proposed protection policy at an upcoming cabinet meeting.

Residents of Grenville Court in Poole report ongoing pigeon infestations inside hallways and flats, raising health concerns and frustration over the council’s response. Tenants say the issue has persisted for six months despite repeated complaints, with droppings around windows and birds entering homes. Some describe feeling ignored and unsafe, citing risks to children and poor living conditions. A local councillor states that additional cleaning has been arranged and pest‑control measures are being explored.

A popular independent Bournemouth coffee shop, Blend, is opening a new branch in Broadstone on July 24, offering half‑price coffee for the first three days. Owner Ben Blades aims to recreate the community‑focused atmosphere of the original Richmond Hill location, with the new site featuring a smaller layout and locally sourced food and drink. He hopes the expansion will both serve and contribute to the local Broadstone community.

Residents cleared an unauthorised camp near Bournemouth Beach, removing discarded items and installing wood chippings and a Christian cross. Group leader Frank White criticised authorities for inaction and suggested the site was linked to migrants, claims that have not been substantiated. Activist groups condemned the cleanup as harmful and accused participants of spreading anti‑refugee sentiment. BCP Council criticised the operation on safety grounds, warning of unstable cliff conditions and urging the public not to intervene while officials review safety measures.