Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

Bournemouth University’s Studland House and Gateway Building car parks can offer public parking for five years under retrospective planning permission.

Dozens of signs advertising public parking at two Bournemouth University car parks have received retrospective approval.

A vacant former office building in Poole Old Town is set to be converted into a single home after plans were approved.

The Chancellor is expected to announce new minimum wage rates in the Budget. Find out how much younger workers and those aged 21 and over could earn.

Martin Lewis welcomes the planned abolition of the £108 gas standing charge in 2027, calling it an unfair energy poll tax after years of campaigning.

Meta Glasses (and other smart glasses) are now banned from all JD Wetherspoon pubs in the UK.

Megan Shannon describes surgery after a hot water bottle bought at Home Bargains spilled on her

A batch of Bialetti caramel ground coffee sold at TK Maxx has been recalled. Check the batch code, best-before date and refund advice.

Royal Mail's Christmas 2026 last posting dates for UK services, Parcelforce and BFPO, plus advice for sending items abroad.

MISSING | We are appealing for information from the public as we search for a missing teenager last seen near Sturminster Newton.

While on foot patrol in Wareham town centre this afternoon, I observed an individual riding an e-scooter on the public highway.

A manhunt has been launched after a knife chase through a pub in Bournemouth

The Ringwood Society’s annual Design and Conservation Awards 2026 were presented by society chairman Alex Bancroft at the group’s autumn open meeting.

Clara became the sixth contestant eliminated from the Great British Bake Off 2026 during pastry week, while Tom was named star baker for the third time.

Muddy Stilettos names eight Dorset locations among the UK’s best places to live for 2027, including Poole, Bridport, Lyme Regis, Sherborne and Wimborne.

Plans to redevelop a former family theme park have been deferred for a second time due to issues relating to biodiversity.

John Healey will deliver his first Budget as Chancellor today, October 28, with households and businesses waiting to see whether he will announce further help with the cost of living.

Millions of pensioners are waiting to see whether Chancellor John Healey will announce a major change to the tax-free personal allowance in the Budget 2026.

Dry clothes efficiently indoors this autumn with expert tips on spin cycles, tumble dryer maintenance, ventilation, airer placement and reducing laundry costs.

Poundland could be broken up as owner Gordon Brothers weighs bids for parts of the discount retailer from Wilko, The Range, Poundstretcher and others.

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.