All the latest from BCP Council
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** More Brits overseas could vote in General Elections
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British citizens living abroad can now register to vote in UK general elections, regardless of how long they’ve been living outside the UK.
The change in voting eligibility follows a new law which has removed the previous 15-year time limit.
We're supporting the Electoral Commission’s campaign to raise awareness of this change by asking residents to spread the word and tell friends and family living abroad to check if they are eligible.
Those that have previously lived in or been registered to vote in the UK now have the right to vote in UK parliament elections.
Watch a video explainer
Register to vote online
Electoral Commission further information
** Bournemouth new road safety measures consultation
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We are asking residents and local businesses to share their thoughts on proposals to deliver several road safety improvements in Bournemouth.
A public engagement exercise launches today, Friday 22 March, to gather feedback on how to further reduce the risks of collisions along the A35 between Iford and St. Paul’s roundabouts, as well as the A3049 Ashley Road and surrounding areas.
The improvements will be funded by £1.89million from the Department for Transport with additional money from the Bournemouth Town’s Fund and Better Boscombe regeneration programme.
What safety measures are being proposed?
Have your say here
** 110 New Affordable Homes to be Built in Poole
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110 new sustainable and affordable homes will be delivered in Poole by BCP Council and Wates Group, bringing new investment and generating millions in social value for the local community.
The scheme provides 40 two-bedroom homes, 41 three-bedroom homes and an Independent Living Apartment Building with 29 one-bedroom flats. These will be a combination of social rent and shared ownership.
Building works are due to start in May this year and are expected to be completed by the summer of 2026.
Find out more about the development
** An exciting lineup of events for 2024
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A bathtub race, the UK’s largest free air festival and festive light trails are just some of the highlights of this year's events programme across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
Events to look forward to include the impressive aerial feats of Bournemouth Air Festival, the award-winning Arts by the Sea Festival, and the dazzling display of fireworks on Poole Quay in August.
The year ends with an assortment of festive fun with free light trails and a bathtub race.
Find out more, plus how to promote your community event with us
** Double triumph at Tourism Awards
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The Arts by the Sea festival and Bournemouth Beach Lodges, both run by BCP Council, are celebrating a double triumph in the South West Tourism Awards - winning gold and silver respectively in their categories.
These annual awards celebrate outstanding businesses in the tourism sector across the south west of England.
Arts by the Sea, now in its 14th year, is one of BCP’s flagship events, and beat off competition from Tankfest and Heligan Night Garden in Cornwall to walk away with Gold in the Tourism Event / Festival of the Year category.
Find out more
Arts by the Sea 2024 - sign up for updates
Escape to a Beach Lodge
Food support to continue over the Easter holiday
Food support for eligible families with pre-school age children will continue for the Easter holidays under the Household Support Fund, funded by UK Government.
BCP Council Family Information Service can provide a £30 supermarket food voucher for eligible pre-school age children living in the BCP area.
Families with school aged children can apply through their child's school.
Deadline for applications is 11pm on Wednesday 27 March 2024.
Find out more and apply here
** Finale for Poole Heritage Project
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A transformative programme to give Poole High Street a new lease of life has reached its conclusion with an exhibition to celebrate its successes.
Poole High Street Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) was established in 2020 as a four-year project to protect and enhance historical assets and making the town centre more attractive for residents, businesses, and visitors.
An exhibition celebrating the achievements of HAZ runs Saturday 23 March to Thursday 28 March in the Gather Space at The Poole Dolphin Centre.
Find out more about the Poole Heritage Project
Make a difference: Volunteer with us
Would you like to meet new people, learn something new, support your local community and have fun? Then come along to our next volunteer drop-ins:
Between 8.30 and 11am
Tuesday 19 and 26 March
Townsend Community Centre, Jewell Rd, Bournemouth BH8 0L
If you are interested in finding out about all of the volunteering opportunities within BCP Council, come along for an informal chat with us. Our Volunteer Co-ordinator Julie will be delighted to meet you!
What volunteering opportunities are there?
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