Voters reminded to check they’re election ready before it’s too late

On Thursday, May 2 2024, you will have the opportunity to cast your vote and influence the decisions regarding essential services provided by the council. 

Here are some key dates to remember:

Tuesday 16 April (11.59pm) – last date for registering to vote 
Wednesday 17 April (5pm) – last date for applying for a postal vote 
Wednesday 24 April (5pm) – last date for applying for a proxy vote and for a Voter Authority Certificate for those without photo ID. 

If you aren’t already on the register, the easiest way to register to vote is online below.

Motorists urged to be deer aware

Drivers in Dorset are reminded of the precautions to take on the county’s roads where deer may be present.

With between 42,000 and 74,000 deer-related collisions in the UK every year, we are sharing advice from the British Deer Society on how to be deer aware and keep safe.

Deer can be encountered in the county throughout the year, and many drivers have noticed an increased number close to roads in recent months due to flooded fields.

Young people and employment

Young people can be employed in light work from the age of 13. To safeguard all parties, the employer MUST apply for a child work permit.

The employer must have a work permit, even if the young person is working as a volunteer.

Applying for a work permit is a quick and easy process.

Dorset Council Trading Standards team work with partners to seize illegal vapes and tobacco

Our Trading Standards team led a multiagency operation on Tuesday 26 March 2024 responding to intelligence about the sale of illegal vapes, tobacco, and cigarettes from several premises in Weymouth.

Alongside officers from Dorset Police, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the Regional Trading Standards Illegal Tobacco & Vapes officer, and B.W.Y Canine Ltd with their specialist detection dogs, the Trading Standards team visited three premises.

Two of the premises were found to be in possession of a large quantity of suspected illegal vapes, cigarettes, and hand rolling tobacco.

In total, the team seized around 1,000 vapes, over 18,000 cigarettes, and almost 7kg of hand rolling tobacco.

Grants available to help refugees build new lives in the county

The Dorset Welcome Fund has reopened, offering grants of up to £5,000 to voluntary groups and charities to support community action that helps refugees and asylum seekers of any nationality arriving, residing, or settling in Dorset.

The fund is once again being supported with contributions of £50,000 from us and £30,000 from BCP Council as well as from Dorset Community Foundation fund holders.

Let’s talk SEND: Preparing for your child’s future 

Our ‘Let’s Talk SEND’ online events provide an opportunity for anyone in Dorset with children who have special educational needs and disabilities to come together and hear from the SEND team as well as having plenty of time to ask questions (which you can pre-submit by clicking here).

Our next event is happening on 17 April at 12noon and is themed around ‘preparing for your child’s future.’ The session is primarily aimed at those with children in year 9 and above, everyone is welcome to join.

You can sign up for the event by clicking the button below.

Welcome to The Big Dorset History Centre Spring Quiz!

The Dorset History Centre are hosting fun and challenging quiz night on Thursday 2 May 2024 at 19:00 at the Dorset History Centre.

Test your quizzing knowledge with a wide variety of questions, including some on Dorset's fascinating history, with friends and family in a lively in-person event. Put your thinking caps on and get ready for a night of friendly competition and trivia!

If you are a team of 4-6, that's great, please book together - if you are a single or less than 4 please book individually and we'll sort you into teams.

Do bring along your own drinks and nibbles for your table.

There is ramped access to the building, wide doors and a toilet for disabled visitors. If you have access requirements, please do get in touch so that we can work with you.

More news:

• New weekly ‘Health Walk’ starting at Thorncombe Wood