Latest news with #DorsetCouncil
BBC News
4 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Booking system planned for Dorset's household tips
People taking rubbish and recycling to household tips in Dorset will have to book a time slot from the booking system aims to ease congestion at recycling centres during peak times and make visits quicker with shorter systems are already in place in other parts of the country, including neighbouring some residents and opposition councillors have responded negatively, calling the plan "unnecessary" and predicting it will result in more fly-tipping. Residents will be able to choose a half-hour slot to visit a household recycling centre (HRC) up to two weeks in advance, although the council said it anticipated most people would book on the day of their councillor for place services, Jon Andrews, said: "It works well in other places."Many of our sites, especially at Dorchester and Wimborne, experience long periods of queuing and crowding that cause frustration for visitors, nearby residents, and local businesses. "This system will improve the overall customer experience by preventing these problems."But Beaminster councillor Craig Monks said the plan "seeks to solve a problem that doesn't exist".He said: "This unnecessary red tape will frustrate residents, discourage recycling, and, most worryingly, risks leading to an increase in fly-tipping across our countryside and rural lanes."Dorset Council said there was no evidence that fly tipping levels would be affected by the Andrews said: "We understand people will need to get used to something new, and there will be a period of adjustment for many people who have become accustomed to the current process. "But a few extra minutes at home booking a slot before loading up your vehicle with waste will potentially save you much longer delays when you arrive at the HRC, leading to a better experience for everyone." You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
BBC News
5 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Interest in Dorset special school from outside county
The owners of a special school in Dorset have heard there is a growing interest in places for children from outside the managing director for Coombe House near Shaftesbury, Andy Holder, told a shareholders meeting this week there had been "significant interest" from neighbouring said this was because of the proximity of the school and its fee structure, as well as the quality of care and school opened in May 2022, but suffered a "bumpy start", forcing it to shut again, according to Dorset Council. It was set up for Dorset children with complex needs and learning challenges, but could accept a limited number from other Holder said it was currently focused on providing for "Dorset children first"."We haven't felt there is a lot of capacity to work with other local authorities just yet," he of the school board Ian Comfort said even though there was provision to take pupils from outside Dorset, a 20% limit had been set when the school was former private school was bought for about £10m by Dorset Council, which nominates and pays for the majority of the moment it can take about 150 children, although Ofsted has said the site could take up to 200. The long-term school business plan envisages the possibility of almost 250 pupils on the site, although this would require further capital Council's children's social services executive director Paul Dempsey said there had been discussions about further capital projects at the school, but there was still some way to go before any firm proposals were made. You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
BBC News
5 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Lyme Regis Cobb: Calls to speed up repairs to iconic breakwater
Calls have been made for an early consultation on proposals to ensure the future of a Grade I listed breakwater after a new hole was Cobb in Lyme Regis is eroding at the seaward base of the wall that supports its Council's harbours consultative committee heard there was uncertainty in the area about the proposals for the next stage of the works and funding for the emergency work has yet to be Marks, from the Lyme Regis harbour Consultative Group, said: "The uncertainty around the funding is still a major concern as is any further slippage to the programme." The group has called for an early public consultation on the stabilisation proposals for the fifth and final phase of the town's environmental protection initial Lyme Regis Phase 5 programme was for construction to start in winter 2026, continuing into spring 2027, subject to available funding and gaining the necessary consents for the this stage, detailed designs for the project have not been completed, with a consultation planned after the summer for Cobb users looking at how their access might be maintained during the historic Cobb has been subject to erosion from wave impact on the outer harbour wall, which has caused the movement of stone blocks, and the deterioration of the structure on the inner harbour wall. Dorset Council's service manager for coastal protection, Matthew Penny, said that during low tide inspections of the seaward high wall in March and April, officers found "further and ongoing deterioration with large, open, scour voids now present at the base of the seaward structure".Councillors previously heard that adequate funding was in doubt, which could result in design changes to make the scheme more Marks said he had been told there would be public engagement and awareness sessions this year but with no indication when they would be said: "It is the view of the harbour consultation group that these sessions should be held as a matter of urgency to let the people know what is happening."Mr Penny said the council had recently submitted a capital bid to the Environment Agency, telling the harbours committee that more financial contributions were said further delays were likely to drive up costs, with some funding available in the current financial year from the regional flooding coastal committee, which would pay for design were continuing between Dorset Council, Historic England, Natural England, South West Water and the Environment Agency about the project. You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New 'safe space' for homeless women opens in town centre
A new housing service for women with experience of homelessness has welcomed its first residents. The Haven, a six-bed supported accommodation scheme, is funded by Dorset Council and Homes England and run by regional charity Julian House. The scheme provides a safe space for women who need specialist support, helping them to end the dangerous cycle of homelessness. It has been designed to help women make progress towards independence and long-term security. One resident has shared how much it means to feel truly seen and supported, saying it "feels like home" and they feel "valued and cared for" through regular welfare checks. The opening of The Haven marks an expansion of Julian House's services in Dorset, where it already provides rough sleeper outreach and general supported accommodation for people who have experience of homelessness. Cllr Gill Taylor in conversation (Image: Supplied) Helen Bedser, chief executive of Julian House, said: "We are excited to grow our services in Dorset, ensuring that vulnerable women in the community have specialist support in a secure, stable home where they can rebuild their lives and recover from the trauma of homelessness." The new service follows research conducted by Dorset Council, which identified gaps in provision for female rough sleepers. Female rough sleeping is not as visible to the public and doesn't always show up on official statistics. Women are less likely to visibly sleep rough, as they instead seek temporary accommodation, refuges or remain in unsafe relationships. Councillor Gill Taylor, portfolio holder for health and housing at Dorset Council, said: "We're delighted the scheme is now open and that our first tenants have moved into their new homes. "This will be the start of a new phase of their lives and I would like to wish them well going forward. "This scheme was initiated as a result of talking to women experiencing homelessness and really listening to what they say they need. "We have taken these views forward and delivered The Haven, which will prevent vulnerable people from resorting to living on the streets or rough sleeping, which is a key priority for Dorset Council." The recent government rough sleeper snapshot suggests that 15 per cent of rough sleepers are female, but Homeless Link estimates that women make up 60 per cent of people experiencing homelessness.
Daily Record
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Scottish city named best prepared to survive a zombie apocalypse
The latest offering from Danny Boyle, 28 Years Later, is due to be released in cinemas towards the end of the month, with TV shows and games like The Last of Us and The Walking Dead also fuelling interest in 'the undead'. As the anticipation builds for the release of a new post-apocalyptic horror film, research has determined the Scottish city best equipped to handle a hypothetical zombie attack. With Danny Boyle's upcoming film, '28 Years Later', ready to thrill audiences and a sustained interest in zombie-themed entertainment like 'The Last of Us' and 'The Walking Dead', Stirling emerged as the top dog in survival preparedness. According to data for the year to April 2025, there were 584 searches per 10,000 people in Stirling for 'survival kit', along with 1,350 searches for related terms such as 'Bug Out Bag', 'Emergency Kit', and 'Survival Tools', leading the pack in the country. Research, conducted by skip hire company LSS, also revealed that Perth secured the second spot with 410 searches, followed by Dunfermline at 348 searches per 10,000 residents. While Glasgow may not have topped the per capita search list, it did lead in raw numbers with approximately 6,920 survival-related searches per month; closely followed by Edinburgh and Aberdeen tallying 6,460 and 3,760 searches respectively. Across the UK, over the past year, searches for survival kits has rocketed by a whopping236-per cent. Moreover, in a cheeky attempt to gauge preparedness for a zombie onslaught, LSS sent a Freedom of Information request to UK councils only to discover a unanimous lack of contingency plans for such an event – although one English council acknowledged the prospect "tongue-in-cheek". Dorset Council stated: "The concept of a zombie apocalypse was referenced tongue in cheek in an article explaining what the emergency planning team do, which commenced 'Have you ever wondered what the emergency planning team do? The rumours of them hiding away in a darkened bunker drawing up plans of how to respond to the end of the world or a zombie apocalypse are (largely) untrue. Although we do have a bunker!'." Gary Noble, from LSS, said the findings, while amusing, suggest a healthy attitude from the public towards staying safe. "A zombie apocalypse, while entertaining on screen, in books, and in video games, would be a disaster for humanity, and thankfully, will never happen," he said. "While the results are a bit tongue-in-cheek, it's great to see people taking serious steps to protect themselves though, should an emergency happen. "Having a survival kit, food supplies, medical supplies, and even a bug-out bag in case you need to dash quickly, are all sensible things to have on hand. "While you might not need them to escape a zombie horde, they're great to have in case of an injury, a power cut, or an emergency last-minute trip to support a loved one." What should you have in a Bug-Out Bag? Torch and spare batteries: If the power goes out, you'll be glad you're not fumbling about in the dark. Head torches are even better as they keep your hands free. First aid kit: Plasters, bandages, painkillers - if you or someone else takes a tumble, you'll want this close at hand. Bottled water: At least two litres per person. You can manage without many things for a while, but water isn't one of them. Long-lasting snacks: Consider protein bars, nuts, that sort of thing. Not a Sunday roast, just something to keep you going if you're stranded for a bit. Also, keep an eye on the use-by date. While they will last, they won't last indefinitely! Phone charger (battery pack): No power means no phone, and no phone means no help, no updates, no nothing. A fully charged power bank is a lifesaver.
