Dorset Council

30/10/2026

Don't let your pumpkin become a horror story 🎃

When you are finished with your pumpkin lantern this Halloween, please cut it up and place it in your food waste bin or compost.

Pumpkins are food waste and can be recycled rather than ending up in general rubbish.

A small change that helps reduce waste and supports Dorset's recycling efforts.

30/10/2026

If your child is home for a break if may be chance to get them vaccinated against Meningitis B

On a break from sixth form, college or your first year of university? Now's a great time to get your MenB vaccination before the end of the year. 🛡️📆

If you're eligible, you can book your first or second MenB vaccine dose online.

🔗 Find out more: nhs.uk/book-menb

30/10/2026

As we head into the winter months, we'd like to remind residents where to find trusted, up to date information during severe weather, emergencies and service disruptions.

For official updates, follow our:
• WhatsApp channel: https://orlo.uk/9c55X
• Facebook and Instagram: Dorset Council
• website and newsroom: dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

We also recommend following trusted partners, including BCP Council, Dorset Police, DWFireRescue and NHS Dorset .

Please check information before sharing it. If it doesn't come from an official or trusted source, it may not be accurate. Our WhatsApp channel is the quickest way to receive updates and notifications directly to your phone.

You can also sign up to receive our weekly residents' newsletter. By providing your postcode when you register, we may contact you with important updates relevant to your local area: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/sign-up-for-email-updates

30/10/2026

If you want to stop smoking there is help...

29/10/2026

We know the sudden closure of Leweston School will be causing worry and uncertainty for many children, families and staff. Our teams have been working urgently to support those affected and help families understand the options available.

If you need advice about school places, please contact our Admissions Team: [email protected]

We are also supporting families whose children attended Leweston's nursery and early years provision.

For help with nursery and childcare arrangements, please contact the Family Information Service: [email protected]

29/10/2026

Drainage maintenance at Bakers Arms Roundabout (1-30 November)

We will be carrying out drainage maintenance works at Bakers Arms Roundabout from 1 to 30 November to help reduce the risk of flooding ahead of winter.

The roundabout will remain open, but lane restrictions will be in place throughout the works and delays are expected, particularly during busy periods. The work includes clearing drains, removing blockages, maintaining drainage ditches and carrying out inspections and repairs. This will help make sure the drainage system can deal with surface water as effectively as possible during the wetter winter months.

We recognise these works coincide with the temporary Sandbanks Chain Ferry closure and appreciate this may affect some journeys. However, carrying out the maintenance now is important to help reduce the risk of flooding and more significant disruption during the winter months.

Please allow extra time for your journey.

Thank you for your patience while these essential works are carried out.

Photo credit: Matt Eakins

28/10/2026

Today’s Budget statement included confirmation of the government’s support for devolution in our area. This is a significant vote of confidence in our region and recognition that decisions affecting local people are best made closer to their communities.

The four Wessex unitary councils – Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole – have consistently argued for devolution.

It will bring more decision-making powers closer to local communities, helping us secure investment in transport, housing, skills, regeneration and economic growth.

For residents this means being able to tackle the local housing crisis by building the right homes in the right places, improved infrastructure that will better link our communities, better jobs, better protection for our precious environment and more powers to reinvent our town centres as places where businesses want to invest and people want to be.

We know people will have more questions about what today's announcement means and we're working on that. We'll share more information as soon as details become available.

To read the full joint statement, visit the link in the first comment below.

28/10/2026

🎇 Myth or Fact...

❌ If fireworks are on sale, they must be safe?

✅ Fact: Illegal or unsafe fireworks can still find their way onto the market.

That's why it's important to buy from trusted retailers and report any concerns about suspicious sales to trading standards.

28/10/2026

Join us on Wednesday 11 November (10:55am start) as we come together on Armistice Day for our annual Service of Remembrance at County Hall in Dorchester.

People are welcome to attend in person or watch live here on our page as the community comes together to remember and honour those who gave their lives in the First and Second World Wars, and in conflicts since.

28/10/2026

Have you heard about the new Dorset Downs Repair Cafe?

The repair café rotates once a month (except August) from 7-9pm between locations in Beaminster, Cattistock, Evershot, Halstock, or Maiden Newton, giving local residents the chance to repair broken items instead of throwing them away.

They're also seeking volunteers, particularly people with electrical, mechanical or sewing skills. If you enjoy fixing things and helping your community, why not get involved?

Keep up-to-date on future events or offer to volunteer via their page.