Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

An Italian restaurant in Bournemouth has been ordered to demolish an unauthorised extension after planning enforcement officers ruled it harms neighbours and ruins the character of the street

A plot of land with planning permission for a drive-through restaurant is set to go under the hammer.

Two premises were targeted during a multi-agency operation tackling the illegal sale of tobacco and cigarettes.

David Sidwick and Donna Jones have warned that children with special educational needs and disabilities risk being drawn into crime.

A bright green road bike was stolen last month from near a gym in Poole.

A man has been jailed after police saw him pulling crack cocaine and heroin from his trousers.

BCP Council orders Christchurch landlord to stop using an unauthorised 32sqm office conversion as a flat, citing cramped conditions and no natural light on October 31.

Large spiders are entering homes after tarantulas were confirmed to be in the UK.

Celebrity chef Rick Stein, 79, has opened up on "tough times" after his restaurant closed.

"Family-run" UK haulage and warehousing company Q Delivery Services has entered liquidation after more than 13 years in business.

Motorists who use the M27 and M3 should know about this speed camera myth to avoid being fined and even disqualified from driving.

A barrister has told a misconduct hearing that former Hampshire chief constable Scott Chilton tried to "frustrate the investigation" into a former detective, amid fears that allegations about an affair would emerge.

A barrister has told a misconduct hearing that former Hampshire chief constable Scott Chilton tried to "frustrate the investigation" into a former detective, amid fears that allegations about an affair would emerge.

Bournemouth singer Anthony Hughes reaches the final three on Channel 4’s The Chosen One after impressing Leigh-Anne Pinnock with his original song.

Motorists who use the M27 and M3 should know about this speed camera myth to avoid being fined and even disqualified from driving.

"Family-run" UK haulage and warehousing company Q Delivery Services has entered liquidation after more than 13 years in business.

Celebrity chef Rick Stein, 79, has opened up on "tough times" after his restaurant closed.

BCP Council orders Christchurch landlord to stop using an unauthorised 32sqm office conversion as a flat, citing cramped conditions and no natural light on October 31.

A few postcodes across Dorset won prizes in the Postcode Lottery in September 2026, including in Bournemouth, Poole and Weymouth

A bright green road bike was stolen last month from near a gym in Poole.

These old photos show the world-famous beauty spot of Lulworth Cove over the years

Purbeck Cider launches People’s Choice cider in Dorset, donating £1 per litre sold to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Community-grown apples support charity.

Plans for a new 'build your own' waterfront home with panoramic views have been approved for a site in Dorset

Dorset is the location for Mike Leigh's Play For Today, Nuts in May, which is free to watch on BBC iPlayer

A YouTube video provides an insightful look at Brownsea Island in 1962.

Only Fools and Horses repeats are as popular as ever this Christmas - but did you know that the classic BBC comedy was not once, but twice filmed in Dorset?

Sandbanks Ferry staff were 'verbally abused' by passengers during a temporary suspension.

Hundreds of jobs are to be created at a holiday park as part of a major nationwide investment.