Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

A former town councillor is due to be sentenced after stealing from an elderly man in Lyme Regis

All UK stores have closed after a popular fashion retailer entered administration.

A golf club has been given the green light to build a new reservoir to help tackle future water shortages.

Dorset’s latest crime figures show overall offending is continuing to fall, but with robbery and antisocial behaviour emerging as areas of concern.

The A31 has reopened following a 13-day closure caused by a devastating fire in the New Forest. However, reduced speed limits, lane closures and ongoing repair works remain in place.

A rare £2 coin has sold for more than £134 after its fried egg error started a bidding war.

Shoppers can buy chocolates, including Maltesers, M&Ms and Galaxy Counters, for just 1p from Co-op for a limited time - here's how.

Rick Roi Limited seeks a premises licence for Syd's Slaps, Southbourne Grove, Bournemouth, to serve alcohol and host live music until midnight daily.

An independent natural products store which specialised in sourcing eco-friendly, healthy sustainable, greener brands will close its doors after a decade in trade.

Ellis Jones Solicitors has branded new rules bringing unspent private pensions under inheritance tax as a ‘kick in the teeth’ for people who have worked hard.

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Our pub of the week is a 16th -centaury venue tucked away in a Hampshire village which has survived two years of closure thanks to the local community.

Shoplifting is not a victimless crime; that is why it is so important to tackle these harmful offences robustly and in a targeted way.

Residents are being invited to help shape plans to protect Christchurch Harbour at a public meeting next month.

Bournemouth rail passengers are being urged to plan ahead as maintenance work in the Eastleigh area causes major changes to South Western Railway services.

A man from London died after falling from a height at a Bournemouth address, an inquest opening heard.

Beaulieu prepares to welcome enthusiasts from around the world to its International Autojumble on September 12-13.

Hampshire County Council to close several New Forest roads from August 2026 for 18 months. Find details, affected routes, and diversions for local drivers.

One of the basic rules of economics is that for a business to succeed it needs customers.  This applies particularly to retail businesses like shops. Stock must turn over, so a regular flow of customers is essential.

Bournemouth fans are the best-behaved in the Premier League, with just eight banning orders in place against them.

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.

SHOULD there be a tourist tax in Purbeck – the “Purbeck Pound”?