Hollie Carr

A new Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit at Dorset County Hospital has reached a key milestone with the installation of a rooftop helipad. The £100 million project, funded through the New Hospital Programme and supported by the HELP Appeal and a £2.5 million fundraising effort, will significantly expand emergency and critical care capacity. Hospital leadership and government officials highlighted the improved integration of services and the faster access to life‑saving care the helipad will provide. The facility is scheduled to open in 2027.

Environmental campaigners warn of severe wildfire risk in Dorset after a grass fire near Nothe Fort in Weymouth, believed to have been started by fireworks. Officials urge the public to avoid using barbecues and fireworks due to hot, dry ground conditions. Fire crews extinguished the blaze within 20 minutes, and damage to the site was minimal, with the gardens remaining open.

Shoppers began queuing from early morning to enter the new Marks & Spencer store at Weymouth Gateway Retail Park, which opened as a major multimillion-pound investment replacing the former town-centre branch. Early visitors described excitement over the expanded food hall and clothing sections, free coffee, and promotional displays including a large Percy Pig. Customers traveled from surrounding areas to be among the first inside, with one pair obtaining the first receipt issued by the store. The location employs more than 130 staff, and the store manager highlighted the strong opening-day turnout and positive atmosphere.

A family festival in Weymouth, postponed in June due to severe weather forecasts, is rescheduled for July 18 at Redlands sports centre. Organisers from the Weymouth and Portland Round Table have retained the original music acts and expanded the programme, expecting improved attendance and fundraising. The event features live bands, entertainment, stalls, competitions, and a new VIP hospitality package. Proceeds will support Weldmar Hospicecare, adding to previous years’ contributions to local charities. Free parking is available at Mount Pleasant Park and Ride, and visitors are urged to avoid residential streets.

Local band The Leggomen will perform free weekly Sunset Sessions at the Boat Café on Weymouth Beach every Tuesday from July 21 to August 27, with additional Thursday performances by various other bands. The events, known for drawing large crowds and lively audience participation, are weather dependent.

Multiple Dorset fire crews extinguished several wind‑driven field fires near the C12 Old Sherborne Road, using hose reels, beaters and farm machinery. A road closure was put in place during the operation, and authorities urged the public to report fires immediately from a safe location.

Marks & Spencer is opening a new full‑range store at Weymouth Gateway Retail Park, replacing its long‑standing town centre location. The new site features an expanded food hall, bakery, and larger clothing and home sections, and is expected to create additional jobs. Reactions are mixed as some residents welcome the modern facility while others regret the loss of the historic town centre store. Local business leaders view the opening as a significant milestone and hope the former premises will be quickly reoccupied to support the town centre’s vitality.

Four green spaces in Weymouth have received the Green Flag Award, recognising them as well‑managed and high‑quality public parks. Nothe Gardens earned the distinction for the first time, joining Greenhill Gardens, Sandsfoot Gardens, and Radipole Park and Gardens. Local officials and volunteers were credited for their work, with Weymouth’s mayor praising the achievement and the community effort behind it. Keep Britain Tidy highlighted the importance of investing in public green spaces, particularly in deprived areas, as the award marks its 30th year with a record number of UK sites recognised.

An 80-year-old Weymouth resident, Dave Gilchrist, completed the 37th Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride, raising £937 for Macmillan Cancer Support. Inspired by seeing the event advertised, he finished the challenging course in just over five hours, supported by donations from 40 contributors. A former Army member and active cyclist, he encourages others to take up the sport and regularly rides with the senior cycling group Ray's Rides. The event supports Macmillan’s work assisting people affected by cancer and depends on volunteers for future rides.

Weymouth and Portland were not shortlisted for the UK Town of Culture 2028 competition, despite nearly 400 entries nationwide. Local councillors expressed disappointment but highlighted the area's strong cultural community and ongoing arts activity. Weymouth Town Council plans further events and initiatives building on its 2025 Towns of Culture title. Fifteen towns across small, medium, and large categories will now receive funding to prepare full bids, with winners to be announced next year.

A historic former NatWest bank building in Dorchester, vacant since the branch closed in 2023, is set to be auctioned with a guide price of £750,000. The Grade II listed property spans five floors, includes parking for 16 cars, and will be sold via Acuitus in a livestreamed auction on July 16. The closure of the branch was part of broader reductions in NatWest’s regional presence, leaving Weymouth as the nearest remaining location. Other high street banks have also closed in recent years, while Nationwide and Barclays continue to operate in the town.

A person was struck by a train on the Weymouth–Waterloo line between Micheldever and Basingstoke, halting services and causing significant disruption expected until 8pm. South Western Railway suspended power to allow emergency access and rerouted, shortened or cancelled multiple services. Passengers were advised to use alternative routes, with replacement transport requested but not yet available. Tickets are being accepted on several Great Western Railway and Southern Railway routes at no extra cost.

A black car overturned on Portland Beach Road and came to rest on the stones of Chesil Beach late Thursday night. Police and paramedics responded shortly after 9 p.m., with no serious injuries reported. The vehicle remained at the scene the following day.