Dorset

Mathew Vater's car lost control on a bend, killing a mother-of-one in an oncoming vehicle.

A pellet is fired through the window of a bus in Christchurch, shattering glass on the other side.

Judge says Dominic Chappell gave "entirely unbelievable" evidence in the Crown Court hearing.

Yorkshire need just two more points from their last game to secure Division One survival after a draw with Hampshire.

We’re asking residents to get creative and suggest Dorset-themed names for our 12 largest gritters.

After their hard work last winter, we think our dedicated gritting and ploughing vehicles deserve some recognition!

From Yeti-minster to Brrrweston and down to Cold Harry Rocks, wherever you live in Dorset, we need your help.

Be inspired by literature, landmarks or people – Dorset has got a rich history for you to work with.

Get your suggestions to us by Friday 5 October, either email comms@dorsetcc.gov.uk, leave a comment below or tweet @DorsetCC with #DorsetGrit

Our winter weather heroes, the gritter drivers, will choose their favourite names and the vehicles will be renamed for the start of the gritting season on 1 November.

The post Are you the next Thomas Hard-ski? appeared first on Dorset news.

Preview followed by live coverage of Saturday's Premier League game between Burnley and Bournemouth.

Our award-winning partnership with Google Digital Garage is returning to Dorchester on 19 October. Click here to register your free place. This is a NEW programme from the guys at Google, so if you came to the last one, there is plenty more to learn this time around!

Cllr Mary Penfold, Portfolio holder for Enabling, said: “Do you have a small or medium size business? Are you an aspiring digital marketer? Or do you just have an interest in expanding your digital skills? This one-stop shop will improve your confidence and maximise your marketing skills!”

Book your FREE tickets now by clicking here!  Three, one hour long workshops – plus lunch! Learn from the professionals 

The digital landscape constantly changes and evolves, so why not come and learn from industry professionals who have their finger firmly on the digital pulse?

Take a look at what attendees said about our first event, earlier this year…

Friday 19 October – on the day…

09:30 – 10:00 Coffee and Networking

10:00 – 11:00 Know your Business with Data

Take the guesswork out of digital marketing by learning how web analytics can empower you to make data driven decisions for your business. You will discover all the different insights available through Google Analytics, Trends Search and Social. Plus you’ll understand how to correctly interpret the data and use it to help your business grow.

11.00 – 12.00: Stay Safe Online

In this course for beginners and intermediates, you’ll learn to spot some of the common cyber threats out there – like how to shop and bank online securely. Our coaches will also share top tips on managing passwords and how family settings and controls can help keep unwanted content off your screens.

12:00 – 12:30 Break and Networking

12:30 – 13:30 Writing for Social Media

Finding the right words to describe your business isn’t always easy, and it’s even harder when you have limited space or characters. This compact course is great for small business owners, or aspiring social media marketers looking to develop their writing skills and produce slicker headlines and ad copy. You’ll also develop a tone of voice that means when you talk on social media, your customers will want to listen.

13:30 onwards – Lunch! 

Why not stay for lunch? Our economic regeneration team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about business in Dorset. We can advise on grants, offer advice on planning or financial queries. Or we can point you in the direction of our partner agencies that may be able to support you and your business.

Our Commitment to the Western Dorset Economic Growth Strategy

The Western Dorset Economic Growth Strategy is a joint commitment between North Dorset District, West Dorset District, Weymouth and Portland Borough and Dorset County Councils. We pledge to keep economic growth at the forefront of our policy development and implementation. Our vision for Dorset is to thrive and prosper. We have committed to supporting this through 5 key strategic themes. Infrastructure, Homes and Employment sites, Employment and Skills, Business and Sectors, Assets and Policy. By 2033 the Economic Growth Strategy will have supported and delivered:

• 20,000 new homes
• 13,200 new full-time equivalent jobs
• A minimum of 70 hectares of new employment land
• An increase from 25% to 35% in the proportion of workforce with Level 4 qualifications or higher
• An additional £564 million of GVA to the Western Dorset Area

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Yeovil Town Ladies midfielder Monique Fischer is to miss at least six weeks of football with a broken collarbone.

A swing at the Nothe Gardens in Weymouth has been repaired. 

 Swing repaired

The bird nest swing has now been repaired.  Unfortunately it was recently damaged in an act of vandalism. It is not thought that this damage was done by children as the structure is extremely solid.

The repairs cost over £600 and include extra support to further strengthen the structure.

Councillor Kate Wheller, Weymouth and Portland Borough Council’s Briefholder for Community Facilities, said: “It is very upsetting that vandals would damage part of the gardens that is intended for the enjoyment of children.

“This results in costing the borough council money, which could have been spent elsewhere.

The council have dealt with this very efficiently and I am sure that the Nothe’s younger visitors will be glad that it is working again.”

The post Park repaired after vandalism appeared first on Dorset news.

The RMT union announces further action over train guards on the South Western and Northern networks.

An abandoned puppy was left fighting for her life before being rescued by the district council’s Dog Warden Service.  

Rescued puppy

The three-month old Lurcher pup was in a poor condition and seriously ill when she was collected by the council’s Enforcement Officer.

He took the puppy to Damory Vets in Blandford last week, who began emergency treatment for Parvo virus.

Mandy Walters, Head Nurse at the practice said: “She was terribly thin and in a very poor condition.

‘terribly thin and in poor condition’

“We all did our best for her, at first it was touch and go whether she pulled through. She was very lethargic, but clearly had a very sweet nature.”

The puppy, who was not microchipped and appeared to have been abandoned, was put on a drip and had to be hand fed liquid glucose.

Initial charges for her care were paid for by the district council and then Damory Vets took over the costs of her treatment.

Thankfully the puppy has now made a good recovery, she is bright, wagging her tail, eating well little and often and is putting on weight. She has been rehomed to a family of one of the nurses, who live on a farm. The lucky puppy will be their pet but have plenty of space to enjoy.

‘No dog should be abandoned’

Michael Roake, Environment Portfolio Holder at North Dorset District Council, said: “We are all very glad this story has a happy ending. I’d like to thank our dog warden service and Damory vets.

“No dog should be abandoned, people should always contact the dog warden for help and I would like to remind people that it is their responsibility to keep a stray dog safe and contained until it can be collected.”

More information about what to do if you find an abandoned dog is available here. 

 

The post Puppy rescued by council worker appeared first on Dorset news.

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Jane Biscombe as the new Town Clerk for Weymouth.

Weymouth’s new Town Clerk, Jane Biscombe

Jane was offered the role after a rigorous recruitment exercise and will take up her role full time in January 2019.

She starts in a part time capacity from November.

Although the Town Council will not officially come into being until April 2019, Jane will be closely involved in managing the project to set up Weymouth’s new Town Council.

This will include supporting the first elections to the new council in May next year and developing its strategic plan.

Speaking about her appointment, Jane said:

“I’m delighted to have been chosen for this exciting role and am really looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead in setting up a brand new council for Weymouth, and taking forward the town’s ambitious regeneration programme.

“I’m a people, project and change manager, with extensive experience in local government, governance and service delivery.

“Weymouth has a fantastic natural setting with so much potential and I can’t wait to lead the town council through these exciting times of challenge and opportunity.”

Jane brings a wealth of experience to the role. She has been a Town Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer for over three years and is CiLCA qualified.

Working as the Town Clerk for Yateley Town Council in Hampshire since 2015, she was awarded the title of New Clerk of the Year in 2017 by the Society of Local Council Clerks. This is the body that recognises professional excellence amongst parish clerks.

Having joined Surrey County Council as a youth worker at the age of 18, Jane has worked for five district, borough and county councils. She has worked in service areas as diverse as community development, committee management and governance, highways, adult social care, project and change management and organisational development.

Rigorous recruitment process

A nationwide recruitment campaign led by the Local Government Resource Centre took place over the summer to find the right Town Clerk for Weymouth.

Over twenty applications were received for the position. Six candidates were initially shortlisted for the post and, over two days of tests, activities, interviews and presentations, this was whittled down to three outstanding candidates.

Cllr Alison Reed, Weymouth & Portland Borough Council briefholder for Corporate Affairs and Continuous Improvement said:

“We’re absolutely delighted to have found such a bright and energetic Town Clerk for Weymouth and confident we have made the right choice.

“Jane has a fantastic track record as a clerk and is someone who, I am sure, will build a positive relationship with councillors and residents to deliver on our aspirations for the town.

“We can’t wait to get started. In preparation for Jane’s arrival we are setting up a shadow Town Council to provide support and strategic advice.”

 The role of the town clerk

 Weymouth’s Town Clerk will be responsible for setting up one of the largest town councils in England and Wales. The new town council is likely to have a budget of around £2.5m and employ up to 50 staff.

A key requirement of the role is to provide strong leadership and build a wide range of positive working relationships with councillors, the council’s workforce and partner organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors.

The town clerk will initially work with Weymouth’s ‘shadow’ Town Council to create the new council on 1 April 2019.

 A new council for Weymouth

A new town council for Weymouth is being established as part of the plans for local government reorganisation in Dorset. Without this, once the borough ceases to exist in April 2019, Weymouth would be the only area in Dorset without a town or parish council.

Weymouth & Portland Borough Council approved plans to create Weymouth Town Council in February this year. The new council will cover the whole of the borough except the area presently covered by Portland Town Council.

The first order which provide the legal framework for the new town council was approved at an extra ordinary Full Council meeting on 28 June. It was agreed that 29 councillors should be elected with the area divided into 12 wards. This number may be reviewed after a proposed Boundaries Commission referral after the council is officially established.

The borough council members and officers are now working to establish the functions of the new town council and will be responsible for the resources and assets it will need to support these.

A ‘shadow’ Town Council has been set up to help guide the process. The shadow Town Council is comprised of Weymouth & Portland Borough Council’s 29 current members. The first meeting of the shadow town council is set to take place on 18 October.

The post Town Clerk for Weymouth Town Council appointed appeared first on Dorset news.

Are childminders the right childcare choice for your family? Find out what childminders can offer, how they can help with your child’s development and what funding schemes you can use to help with the costs. 

1. What are the benefits of using a childminder?

Children and families are unique; you should choose a childcare option that works best for you and your child. Some families will find childminders more suitable because they can:

• provide flexible care

• work with small groups of children

• offer care in a home environment

• look after siblings of different ages

• collect children from school and/or pre-school

• take children on outings to play parks, local attractions and libraries etc.

2. Can you use free early education for 2 to 4 year olds and other childcare funding schemes with a childminder?

Yes, many childminders offer up to 15 or 30 hours free early education. You can also use Tax-Free Childcare, the childcare elements of Tax Credits or Universal Credits with registered childminders. If in doubt, contact the childminder to ask if this is something they offer. If not, you can ask them to consider signing up to these schemes.

3. Will a childminder help with my child’s development?

Childminders follow the same standards as nurseries and pre-schools, as set out in the early years foundation stage. Your child will learn mostly through play-based activities, which encourage development in areas such as language, communication and literacy.

Childminders are also assessed by Ofsted to ensure they are meeting these standards. They will receive an inspection outcome result (Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement or Inadequate). You can filter your childcare search on our Family Information Directory by Ofsted inspection results.

4. What about safety and staff checks?

To care for children on their premises, your childminder will have:

• a paediatric first aid certificate

• a Disclosure and Barring check for criminal convictions (DBS)

• public liability insurance

• Ofsted checks to ensure their premises and any equipment are safe and suitable for childcare

• regular Ofsted inspections to judge the quality of care and education

If childminders have assistants working for them, they must ensure they are suitable to work with children.

5. Do childminders care for school aged children?

Yes, as well as full day care for younger children, many childminders offer out of school care. This includes before and after school and during the holidays. Most will take and pick up children from school. Search our directory and contact local childminders to see what they can offer, including which schools they pick up from.

6. Are you related to your childminder?

If your childminder is either your child’s grandparent, uncle/aunt or brother/sister there may be differences to the way you can use your funding. If they are a registered childcare provider and they are caring for your child on their own premises, rather than in your home, you can use Tax-Free Childcare to pay, or claim tax credits if you’re eligible. Your child cannot receive their 15 or 30 hours free childcare from a relative.

Using our Family Information Directory, you can search for childminders and filter by:

 • location

• Ofsted inspection result (each childminder record also has a link to their Ofsted report)

• those who offer free early education for 2 to 4 year olds

• records with extra information about how they support children with SEN and disabilities

Search the Family Information Directory

If you’re unsure what to look for, these Five Steps to Choosing Childcare could help.

 

If you’re struggling to find the right childcare provider for your family, we’ll do everything we can to help. Contact us on familyinfo@dorsetcc.gov.uk.

The post Six things parents should know about using a childminder appeared first on Dorset news.

Psychosis, murder and suicide - how Spanish flu ravaged a post-war world.

People are being asked to create a piece of art to remember the 19-year-old.

Three-year-old Nancy has answers to the burning questions surrounding the UK's exit from the EU.

Arsenal hit seven past Yeovil Town to continue their goal-laden start to the new Women's Super League season.

Yorkshire take a 199-run lead into day three against Hampshire at Headingley as they bid to ease their relegation fears.

Police and a council say inquiries have ended into the death of a man who was crushed by a yacht.

On Tuesday 18 September, Dorset County Council presented proposals at a meeting of Bridport Town Council for an innovative housing and care home development on Flood Lane.

The scheme, known as ‘Bridport Gateway’, will contain:

• a new care home for people with nursing and dementia care needs
• a range of housing for older people including supported living, extra care, and respite care housing
• housing for keyworkers such as social workers, carers                                                            and nurses.

It is hoped that some social housing will also be provided as part of the scheme.

The county council is currently working to appoint a development partner(s). The preferred partner(s) will be submitted for approval to the new Dorset Council Shadow Executive Committee in January 2019.

Dorset County Council, Bridport Town Council and the Neighbourhood Plan Group will be part of the design team preparing the planning application. Consultation will form part of the planning application process, with Bridport residents invited to have their say on the proposed scheme. The aim is for Bridport Gateway to be completed in autumn 2021.

Councillor Jill Haynes, Cabinet Member for Health and Care at Dorset County Council, said:

“This development of housing aimed at social care clients and keyworkers, alongside a new care home focused on providing nursing and dementia care will provide much needed accommodation for Bridport residents. It will greatly enhance the area around West Bay Road and Flood Lane. More importantly, it will meet the future need for accommodation for health and adult care services, with residents benefiting through personal choice and the ability to remain at home.”

Cllr Haynes also described the innovative use of relocatable housing to meet the short term accommodation needs for adult social care by building 12 housing units on the Fisherman’s Arms site. This will enable the residents to move to their permanent location on site when the development is completed, minimising disruption. The relocatable units will then be moved to another site elsewhere in the county planned for development.

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