The latest news from Dorset Council
Making Dorset a great place to Live, work and visit
** Latest updates from Dorset Council
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Hands holding a passport
** Your vote matters
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With local elections taking place across Dorset next week, 2 May, residents are encouraged to make their voices heard.
All eligible voters will have received their polling cards or voter pack for postal votes by now, and however you have decide to vote, make sure you have your say.
The polling stations are open from 7am till 10pm on election day, and you must use the polling station named on your polling card.
If you’re heading to a polling station, please don’t forget to bring a valid photo ID. Various forms of photo ID are accepted, including a driving licence, passport, Older Person’s Bus Pass, a blue badge or Disabled Person’s Bus Pass. The full list of accepted ID can be found here.
You can use an expired ID as long as the photograph is still a good likeness.
If you are registered to vote by post, you can't vote in person at a polling station. Please use a Royal Mail letter box for posting your vote, and make sure you post it well ahead of election date so your vote counts.
However, if it's too late to post your vote, the completed pack, sealed in the return envelope, can be delivered to your local polling station by 10pm on election day.
Find out more
Road sign saying high risk collision site ahead. Please drive carefully
** New warning signs for collision hotspots
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We are introducing new warning signs at three high-risk junctions. The signs aim to alert drivers and motorcyclists to take care and adjust their speed as they approach these areas.
Signs have been installed initially on the approaches to junctions at Thickthorn Cross, on the A354, near Blandford Forum, and on the B3145 at Clatcombe Lane, near Sherborne. Signs at Thornicombe, on the A354, near Blandford Forum will be installed in the near future.
There have been several serious collisions at the locations, prompting the need for proactive safety measures. The signs will serve as a visual reminder to all road users that they are entering a high-risk zone so they slow down and be extra vigilant.
Read more
Aerial photo of Swanage beach showing the pier.
** New round of grant funding set to benefit Dorset communities and businesses
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Following the success of the first round of Dorset Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) grants, round 2 is set to open soon.
We have received a total of 64 applications in the previous round. 33 awards totalling over £250,000 in business support grants and over £80,000 for community infrastructure grants were made, with each project supported and located within the Dorset Council area.
Read more
people gardening in a community garden. In the foreground is two people harvesting lettuce from a raised bed.
** Latest round of grants for not-for-profit organisations now open
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Round 7 of our Community & Culture Project Fund has opened for new applications.
Not-for-profit groups meeting eligibility and funding criteria can apply for a grant of up to £5,000. We will fund up to 80% of applicants' total project costs, with the expectation that those applying demonstrate how the remaining 20% will be covered through additional grants, sponsorship, fundraising or partner contributions.
The grant fund is for one-off events; activities and specific cultural, sports and community project-based work in the Dorset Council area only. Unfortunately, we cannot fund activities and projects delivered in the BCP area.
Find out more
** Get help if you’re behind with your energy bills
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If you’re struggling to pay your gas and electricity bills, contact your supplier to discuss ways to pay.
Your supplier has to help you come to a solution and you should try to negotiate a deal that works for both of you.
Citizens Advice has lots of helpful information on their website.
Find out more
** Dorset History Centre to undergo roof maintenance
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From Monday 29 April, a programme of roof maintenance works will begin at Dorset History Centre on Bridport Road. The works are expected to last until the middle of August.
The pay and display car park, location number 818168, will be given over as the contractor’s compound and will be out of use for the duration of the works. Apologies in advance for any inconvenience that this loss of parking causes. A disabled parking space will still be available.
Alternative pay and display parking is available locally.
Find a parking space
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