Jess Skelton

An inquest has been opened into the death of 62-year-old London resident Jonathan Mark Miller, who died after falling from a height at a Bournemouth address on August 13. Dorset Police said the death was not suspicious. A post-mortem examination attributed the provisional cause of death to multiple injuries from the fall. The inquest was adjourned until October 27, when a full hearing is scheduled.

BCP Council is inviting residents to a public meeting at Christchurch’s Regent Centre to discuss the future management and protection of Christchurch Harbour. The event will address concerns about water quality, pollution and biodiversity, and will include presentations and a question-and-answer session with representatives from Wessex Water, environmental agencies, farming and catchment organizations, fisheries authorities, community groups and the council. The meeting follows recommendations to accelerate a dedicated harbour protection policy, similar to one already in place for Poole Harbour. Attendance is free and open without booking.

A white Renault Trafic van was stolen from a driveway in Trent, Sherborne, after the keys were allegedly taken from inside the property. The theft occurred between the evening of August 18 and the early morning of August 19. Dorset Police are appealing for information, including dashcam or doorbell-camera footage, citing reference number 55260128954.

The A31 will remain closed until at least the weekend while National Highways carries out essential repairs following a major fire in the New Forest. Firefighters have reduced their resources after nine days of operations but will continue dampening down hotspots and preventing reignition while handing the site back to National Highways. Earlier reports that the road could reopen on August 20 were ruled out.

Police secured a full closure order for a property on Knole Road in Boscombe following reports of drug use, antisocial behaviour and other criminal activity. The order makes unauthorised entry an offence punishable by arrest and was obtained through cooperation between Dorset Police, BCP Council officers and local residents. Councillor Sara Armstrong praised the partnership effort and urged residents to continue reporting concerns.

A sailor was rescued after a dinghy capsized in Parkstone Bay. RNLI Poole Lifeboat was called by the UK Coastguard after the sailor was heard calling for help, but a passing jet-ski rider had already brought the cold and shaken sailor ashore and begun towing the dinghy. Lifeboat crew members checked the sailor, righted the dinghy and escorted it safely to land, with the Poole Coastguard Rescue Team also attending. The lifeboat was returned to service by 6.40pm.

A free summer social for writers and readers will take place at Pizza Express in Christchurch from 6pm to 9pm on Tuesday, August 25. Organised by Author Events and hosted by founder Alex Stone, the gathering will offer informal conversation, opportunities to meet fellow book lovers, discover books and purchase titles by Dorset writers. Attendance is open to everyone, but booking through Eventbrite is required.

A fire spread across about 800 metres of stubble crops and hedgerow in three fields near Salisbury Road in Pimperne, prompting almost 50 emergency calls. Crews from across Dorset, supported by water carriers, specialist vehicles, hose reels, beaters and farm machinery, attended to contain the blaze. Large clouds of smoke were seen, while local resident Lewis Blackburn praised firefighters and farmers for their efforts.

The New Forest National Park Authority supports Forestry England’s temporary ban on barbecues and outdoor cooking equipment at campsites during a major wildfire incident. It is asking more than 100 campsites to adopt the restrictions and reminding visitors to dispose of cigarettes safely, take litter home and avoid leaving glass behind. The fire has affected about 1.6 square kilometres of heathland, while previous smaller fires were linked to abandoned campfires and a barbecue.

Poole MP Neil Duncan-Jordan has urged transport minister Simon Lightwood to extend the national £2 bus fare cap to dedicated school-only routes, which are currently excluded. He said the change would reduce pressure on families facing rising back-to-school costs, while praising Morebus for introducing instalment payments as an interim measure.

Diverse Abilities will host a free summer fayre at The Beehive adult and therapy day centre in Parkstone on August 15. The event will include food, games, stalls, refreshments and tours of the centre, with funds raised supporting services and activities for the adults who attend, including cooking, crafts, sports and community outings.

An eight-year survey by East Dorset Friends of the Earth found that 85% of supermarket products and 90% of fresh produce remain wrapped in plastic. The group says supermarkets have made only limited progress since their 2018 pledges to reduce problematic and unnecessary single-use plastics, achieving estimated reductions of just 3–6%, mainly through own-brand products. It is calling on BCP Council and Dorset Council to create a Plastic Waste Forum involving councils, supermarkets, businesses and environmental groups, arguing that taxpayers currently bear the cost of disposing of largely unrecyclable plastic waste.

Coastal Collective, a community group with nearly 4,000 members across Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset, will host two summer events. A garden soirée at Kingston Lacy on August 15 will feature sparkling wine, live music and private evening access, while a black-tie charity gala at the Royal Motor Yacht Club in Sandbanks on August 28 will raise money for Lytchett Riding for the Disabled. Co-founder Natasha O'Sullivan highlighted her personal connection to the charity, while Dan Morgan said the group's wider purpose is to help adults form friendships and find a sense of belonging.

Dorset performer Adam Renner is appearing in E4’s documentary series Cruising Paradise: Above and Below Deck, which explores life aboard a cruise ship. Renner, who has worked for nine years as a dancer, singer and actor across the West End, Disneyland Paris, theme parks and cruise lines, was part of the inaugural cast of Princess Cruises’ Star Princess. He was interviewed and filmed during rehearsals, and is scheduled to feature prominently in the third episode, including a video call with his parents.

Cathy Veale’s exhibition Interaction of Light is on display at the Fine Foundation Gallery in Durlston Country Park, Swanage, until August 23. The exhibition features watercolour paintings and limited-edition prints inspired by the changing light, colour and moods of the Jurassic Coast. The gallery is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Car Finance 247 is opening its first office outside Manchester at Victoria House in Westbourne, Bournemouth, on September 1. The new sales hub will begin with 12 employees and is expected to expand by early 2027, supporting direct-to-consumer sales nationwide. Chief operating officer Louis Rix said the move reflects the company’s growth ambitions and Bournemouth’s strong talent pool; the refurbished building previously served as Liverpool Victoria’s headquarters.

A vehicle fire on the A31 between Picket Post and Stoney Cross spread into vegetation in the central reservation, producing smoke visible across the region. Fire crews tackled the blaze while police closed the A31 in both directions and part of the M27, causing severe congestion and long queues. Motorists were advised to avoid the area, follow diversions and allow extra travel time.

A major vehicle fire on the A31 near Ringwood spread into the central reservation, prompting road closures and bringing traffic to a standstill. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service advised motorists to avoid the area and use alternative routes. Members of the public reportedly removed sections of the central barriers so stranded drivers could turn around and leave the gridlock.

Thousands of cyclists, skaters and scooter riders attended the fifth annual Drum & Bass on the Bike event in Bournemouth, led by Dom Whiting. Participants gathered at Kings Park before travelling through Pokesdown and Southbourne to Boscombe, with attendees describing the atmosphere as buzzing and the event as the busiest yet. Whiting highlighted Bournemouth’s consistent support since the event began in 2021 and encouraged people to keep attending to demonstrate their support for the town and the event.

A person rescued from the water near Shore Road in Poole required medical assistance on Sunday, August 2. Poole Coastguard Rescue Team responded at the request of the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre to support RNLI lifeguards, evacuated the casualty, and remained at the scene until a South Western Ambulance Service ambulance took the person for further care.

A woman who admitted drinking alcohol before driving was stopped by Dorset Police after reports that her vehicle had failed to stop and concerns were raised about intoxication. Her breath test was below the UK legal limit, so no drink-driving offence was identified. Officers nevertheless warned that alcohol affects people differently and that even small amounts can impair driving.

A woman in her 30s was bitten on the leg by a brown-and-white spaniel-type dog on a path between Whitecliff Road and Baiter Park in Poole. The bite broke her skin through her trousers. The dog’s handler, described as a woman in her 60s, reportedly apologised but left without providing her details. Dorset Police are investigating and have appealed for the victim, witnesses and anyone with information to come forward.

Retired accountant Neil Kennedy’s £4 million Sandbanks home was left without valid planning consent after neighbour Garth Weston successfully challenged BCP Council’s approval of retrospective changes. The High Court ruled that the council’s planning officer had failed to visit the site and had misunderstood key facts, quashing the decision and ordering the council to pay £14,754 in costs. Kennedy has submitted a fresh application to retain the already-built three-storey house, but the Sandbanks Neighbourhood Forum objects over overlooking, privacy and noise concerns.

Dog owners in Bournemouth say uncut grass verges and parks have caused painful foxtail-seed injuries requiring expensive veterinary treatment, including one dog treated for two seeds and another for 28. Residents accuse BCP Council of extending No-Mow May to reduce costs, while the council says verges are cut three times a year and that longer grass supports wildlife, biodiversity and wildflowers. The authority says it is trying to balance residents' needs, safe access and environmental goals.

Human waste has been found in tied plastic bags inside public bins on Boscombe Overcliff, which are intended for litter and bagged dog waste. BCP Council has placed warning signs on two affected bins amid health and environmental concerns, while councillors have linked the issue to van dwellers and called for improved facilities and enforcement. The council is considering designated safe parking areas with basic amenities, and its environment and place scrutiny committee is due to review van parking arrangements and related complaints.

Bournemouth runner Ron Bockhart plans to run the full 114-mile Jurassic Coast route in August, aiming to raise £1,000 for The Isabel Baker Foundation, which supports children with cancer and their families. The challenge is expected to take 30 to 35 hours and follows an earlier attempt that ended at mile 56. With support from an endurance coach and driving crew, Bockhart hopes to complete the route and encourage donations for the charity, which has supported more than 1,200 families since 2015.

The UK Government plans a 20 percent tax reduction for eligible pubs, clubs and live music venues from April, with estimated annual savings of £100 million and about £1,100 for a typical pub. The measure is intended to support a struggling hospitality sector in which 161 pubs reportedly closed during the first quarter, costing around 2,400 jobs. Funding is expected to come from changes to business tax reliefs and action against online tax avoidance, with eligibility details due in the Autumn Budget. Bournemouth East MP Tom Hayes welcomed the policy, while local hospitality figures have criticized earlier business-rate increases and warned of further closures.

Staff sickness caused delayed waste collections across 54 roads in Bournemouth, prompting BCP Council to apologise and advise residents to leave bins out until crews complete the routes. Most affected streets have since been serviced, with remaining collections scheduled for later in the day.

A man trying to hitch a lift near Salisbury Road in Blandford entered an unattended white Ford Transit van on Shaftesbury Lane and drove off at speed. Dorset Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage, with Police Sergeant Mia Jakeman urging motorists to come forward. Information can be provided to Dorset Police or anonymously to Crimestoppers.

A driver received a £100 penalty after spending 13 minutes attempting unsuccessfully to pay for parking at a privately operated Poole car park, claiming the payment machines and app malfunctioned. The operator Parkingeye stated that signage was clear and the Evology app functioned normally for other users, noting the appeal is under review. The incident follows a similar recent complaint, and the local council clarified it has no authority over the privately owned car park and directed motorists to nearby council-run facilities.

Volunteers from Bournemouth Town Pastors conduct a night patrol through the town centre, offering assistance and reassurance to people out during a busy evening marked by football crowds. Equipped with radios and supplies ranging from flip flops to medical kits, they collaborate with police, local authorities and churches to provide non‑judgmental support, respond to incidents and help vulnerable individuals. The group’s founders highlight their commitment to public safety and their need for more female volunteers to maintain mixed‑gender patrols.

Two fires on Surrey Road in Bournemouth caused significant property damage, forced residents to leave their homes and resulted in a power outage. Fire crews from Westbourne and Redhill extinguished a garage fire before being alerted to another nearby incident involving smoke and utility failures. Residents reported disrupted electricity, suspected faults in gas mains and temporary displacement while utilities were isolated and emergency teams worked to resolve the issues.

Bournemouth will host the Ratha‑yatra Chariot Festival on July 18, a free family celebration organised by ISKCON featuring a colourful parade, music, dancing and a vegetarian feast. Originating in Jagannatha Puri, the ancient festival honours deities Jagannatha, Balarama and Subhadra and is now celebrated worldwide. A procession will start near the Bournemouth Observation Wheel, with organisers expecting hundreds of participants to join the festivities.

Police report growing concern for 31‑year‑old Christopher, who went missing in Portsmouth before later travelling to Bournemouth. Dorset Police describe his appearance, note that his behaviour may be unpredictable, and urge the public to report any sightings or information.

More than 40 firefighters responded to a heath fire at Agglestone near Studland, with seven fire stations deployed and residents advised to avoid the area and keep windows closed. The blaze covered roughly 100 by 50 metres before being extinguished, after which crews continued dampening down hotspots through the night into the following day. Emergency services and partner organisations supported the effort as the incident was gradually scaled back.

The Roundhouse Hotel in Bournemouth, currently used to house asylum seekers, is set to be vacated by October 2026 under Home Office plans to close all asylum accommodation hotels by 2029. The site, owned by Britannia Hotels, has been the focus of recurring protests and counter-protests as well as several police incidents involving residents. Local MP Jessica Toale reported a significant reduction in asylum seekers housed across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole over the past year. The hotel also has a notable history, having been built in the 1960s on the site of earlier Victorian and postwar properties.

Poole Coastguard responded to a report of an injured person at Poole Quay on July 7 but stood down after learning the individual had declined help and left the scene. Days later, the team was deployed to Canford Cliffs Chine following reports of a missing child, but the child was found before emergency crews arrived.

Multiple road closures, temporary signals and reconstruction projects across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are expected to cause delays between July 13 and July 19, with several longer-term works also ongoing. Utility companies and council-led projects account for significant disruption on key routes including Ringwood Road, Alumhurst Road, Boscombe Overcliff Drive and Bargates. Motorists are advised to plan ahead, follow diversion routes and expect delays, particularly on major commuter roads.

An amber heat‑health alert for Dorset has been extended by the UK Health Security Agency until the evening of July 15. BCP Council warned of likely significant impacts on health and social care services, including increased mortality among vulnerable groups, overheating in care settings, strain on service delivery and power demand, and a rise in water‑related incidents.

Residents are asked by New Forest District Council to place their bins out by 5am as collection teams begin work earlier due to extreme heat. The council warns that the high temperatures may slow rounds, with missed collections updated online. Residents are encouraged to report uncollected bins after 2pm the following day unless entire streets are affected, and the council thanks the public for helping keep crews safe.

SandPolo marked its nineteenth year with two days of polo, music and entertainment on Sandbanks Beach, featuring major performances, themed events such as Ladies Day and a concluding SandFest celebration. The event blended sport, dining and live acts, drawing crowds for a summer weekend of beachfront festivities.

UKIP leader Nick Tenconi joined a Bournemouth Patriots march protesting the housing of undocumented migrants in local hotels. The event drew support from several regional nationalist groups and featured speeches highlighting concerns about crime and immigration. Counter-protesters and Stand Up To Racism criticised the demonstration as promoting hate. Dorset Police maintained a significant presence, imposing conditions to ensure safety and minimise disruption while facilitating the right to peaceful protest.

A father working offshore completed a 35‑day, 175‑kilometre running challenge on a helipad to raise over £1,100 for Meredith’s Mission after his daughter was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. He highlighted the essential support charities have provided during treatment and encouraged donations to help families facing similar hardships.

Councillors are preparing to debate protection measures for Christchurch Harbour amid increased public concern over pollution from sewage, road runoff and agricultural waste entering the Rivers Stour and Avon. Campaigners plan a demonstration ahead of the BCP Council Environment and Place Committee meeting, arguing that high levels of nitrates, phosphates and E-coli threaten both human health and wildlife. Local advocates expect a larger turnout than last year and call for urgent action to secure clean water for residents and nature.

A Bournemouth councillor criticised Nigel Farage for posting an outdated photo that he said unfairly portrayed the town, arguing it harms local businesses and livelihoods. He urged the newly formed Bournemouth Town Council to use its unallocated funds for patrols and improvements to reduce crime and make the area more welcoming to visitors, rather than spreading negativity that could deter tourism.

A person drifting out to sea in a broken-down speedboat off Avon Beach was rescued late at night by Mudeford RNLI volunteers. The vessel, lacking navigation lights, was located south of Hengistbury Head after the alarm was raised by mobile phone. RNLI crew members warned about the dangers of night conditions and recommended carrying more reliable communication equipment such as VHF radios or locator beacons. The casualty and vessel were safely towed back to Mudeford Lifeboat Station.

Police located the body of 78-year-old Graham, missing for more than two weeks in Ferndown, in the area of Badger’s Walk. Dorset Police stated the death is not being treated as suspicious and informed the family. Search efforts involved Dorset Search and Rescue, local community members and Graham’s relatives, with authorities expressing condolences and gratitude for the support during the search.

BCP Council urges beachgoers in Bournemouth to stay vigilant as cold water shock, strong currents and riptides remain dangerous despite calm weather. Visitors are advised to swim at lifeguarded beaches, check conditions, stay between red and yellow flags, enter the water gradually, and call emergency services if needed.

Fire officials in Dorset warn that deliberately started heathland fires are causing long‑term ecological damage and endangering nearby communities. Wildfires can spread rapidly, create their own wind and reignite after appearing extinguished, often due to discarded barbecues or cigarettes. Authorities urge residents and visitors to avoid barbecues in the countryside, dispose of cigarettes safely and report any fires immediately.

Police detained a known shoplifter in Poole town centre after confirming he was wanted for shoplifting and assault. Officers also carried out a separate shoplifting operation on Ashley Road the same day, making no arrests. Over the week, police made two arrests, conducted stop searches and reassurance visits, seized a vehicle, gathered intelligence, and issued dispersal orders in response to anti‑social behaviour.

Swim with Style Dorset has opened its fourth swimming lesson venue in Talbot Woods, providing an exclusive-use pool for families seeking a calm and private environment. Franchisee Nicole highlights the importance of swimming skills in a coastal region and emphasizes the personalized experience offered. The school already operates in Branksome, Colehill, and Moordown, and will offer classes for all ages, including those with additional needs.

A Bournemouth restaurant, Chicken & Blues, earned a spot in PETA’s Top Ten Vegan Chicken Picks for its plant-based chicken tenders, alongside other vegan offerings such as cauliflower wings and wraps made with THIS Isn’t Chicken products. PETA praised the winners for providing flavourful, cruelty‑free alternatives and highlighted the growing availability of vegan chicken at major chains. Dawn Carr of PETA encouraged diners to choose plant‑based meals as more eateries expand their vegan menus.

A decision is expected on a six‑month trial to reopen the Queen Elizabeth School swimming pool in Wimborne, closed since March 2024 after Dorset Council withdrew support. Local swimming groups and organisations have committed to participating, aiming to demonstrate financial viability and community need. Supporters believe the pool would restore an essential facility for residents of all ages, with the trial potentially allowing reopening in early October if approved.

Police cleared an area in Bournemouth’s Triangle associated with anti‑social behaviour and issued a woman living there with a 48‑hour dispersal order before removing items with help from a local company. Officers said the work allows nearby businesses to use their space again and noted that safeguarding referrals are made to support people who engage with services. In a separate incident, police detained a man wanted over a serious assault in the town.

Emergency services responded to a report of an unresponsive woman near Angel Lane in Shaftesbury on the morning of July 8, 2026. The woman, believed to be in her 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene. Dorset Police stated the death is not considered suspicious and confirmed that the woman’s family has been notified.

A man in his 40s was taken to hospital with non‑serious injuries after a hit‑and‑run collision involving a white Vauxhall Astra on Rossmore Road in Poole. Dorset Police appealed for witnesses, dashcam footage, and for the driver involved to come forward. Information can be reported to police or anonymously to Crimestoppers.

A 46-year-old electric unicycle rider, Benjamin Franklin Wells-Lane, died following a collision on the A338 in Bournemouth. His wife issued a detailed tribute describing his life, character, travels, community involvement, and their recent move to Poole. Dorset Police are appealing for witnesses, with Crimestoppers offering an anonymous reporting option.

A lorry crash on the A35 near Holton Heath prompted Dorset Police to close the road after reports of an unsafe load and a subsequent collision. Emergency services attended, and the local authority was alerted due to fluid on the road. Traffic delays extended toward Wareham Road as recovery was arranged, though further details on other vehicles involved were not confirmed.