Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

Boomtown 2026 saw a high number of drug arrests and three people arrested for rape across the festival.

A Savers store in Bournemouth town centre has been allowed to sell alcohol despite concerns about an increase in anti-social behaviour

Dorset Police are appealing for a potential assault victim to come forward following a reported attack in Bournemouth.

Satellite images taken from space have revealed the extent of the damage caused by the New Forest wildfire after the major blaze raged for 10 days.

Local vet launches a pet healthcare plan with unlimited vet visits and no exclusions for long-term health conditions

An application has been submitted to use a vacant site at the edge of Poole town centre

A fast-food venue's bid to open until 4am has sparked concerns additional crime and anti-social behaviour

A plan has been submitted to build a bungalow at the back of a house in Bournemouth

A 31-year-old man last seen on Tuesday evening in Hamworthy has been reported missing.

A property has been shut down following reports of drug use, anti-social behaviour and other criminal activity.

An Amazon millionaire is embroiled in a privacy row with her neighbour after he built a balcony overlooking her garden without permission.

A major water recycling scheme has cleared a key regulatory hurdle, moving closer to a formal planning submission.

A long-awaited health centre has opened, bringing NHS services and modern facilities back to the heart of a community

Firework displays in Bournemouth and Poole have been cancelled due to an elevated risk of wildfires

The BBC has reportedly "confirmed" the 2026 start date for Strictly Come Dancing.

Wiltshire firefighters have hit back at criticism of a national emergency alert warning about wildfires.

BCP Council has welcomed plans for unlimited free bus travel for disabled residents

A petition opposing plans to divide the New Forest has reached 30,000 signatures.

BCP Council says shops will be visited by Trading Standards officers to check if retailers are complying with the ban on disposable barbecues

Nearly £6,000 of damage was caused to a specialist toilet for people with severe disabilities in Bournemouth town centre

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”?