Swanage Railway is back on track! The heritage railway, that’s been facing a funding crisis due to the pandemic, is to reopen soon but it won’t be back to normal yet.
Swanage Lifeboat rescues paddle boarders being swept out to sea Struggling against an offshore breeze and an outgoing tide, a group of paddle boarders had to be rescued just off Old Harry Rocks. 
Fines possible for using disposable barbecues in Dorset Dorset Council has voted to look at measures to ban the use of disposable barbecues, including issuing fixed penalty notices. 
Now only one new coronavirus case a day in Dorset Council area The Director of Public Health for Dorset says it feels like we’re over the worst but COVID-19 is still here - SEE VIDEO. 
Financial cost of Covid-19 to Swanage is over £500k The financial cost of the coronavirus pandemic to Swanage is likely to total over half a million pounds in loss of income to the town council. 
Swanage Fire crew called to tackle heath fire near Wool Eight fire engines including one from Swanage Fire Station were needed to bring a blaze on Winfrith Heath near Wool, under control. Fines possible for using disposable barbecues in Dorset Dorset Council has voted to look at measures to ban the use of disposable barbecues, including issuing fixed penalty notices. Financial cost of Covid-19 to Swanage is over £500k The financial cost of the coronavirus pandemic to Swanage is likely to total over half a million pounds in loss of income to the town council. 
Social distancing signs get graphic in Wareham While Swanage has opted for discreet social distancing messages on its pavements, Wareham has plumped for a more eye-catching design. 
Dorset Council looking at options to ban disposable barbecues Following the devastating fire in Wareham Forest, Dorset Council is now considering ways to prohibit the use of disposable barbecues in the area. 
‘Leave Space’ signs to make Swanage safer A social distancing message has been sprayed onto town centre pavements to help keep the town safer from the spread of coronavirus. 
Swanage Lifeboat rescues paddle boarders being swept out to sea Struggling against an offshore breeze and an outgoing tide, a group of paddle boarders had to be rescued just off Old Harry Rocks.
Swanage Fire crew called to tackle heath fire near Wool Eight fire engines including one from Swanage Fire Station were needed to bring a blaze on Winfrith Heath near Wool, under control. 
Motorist left deflated in desperation for Studland parking space In a crazy attempt to park near the beach, this car ended up with flat tyres and an expensive repair bill! 
Studland becomes beach ‘overflow’ as Bournemouth declared a major incident Beach-goers who couldn’t find space in Bournemouth, flocked to Studland, blocking Ferry Road and some using ferry property as a toilet. 
Search for missing swimmer at Durdle Door over, as body is found A body of a man has been found, following the search for a swimmer who went missing near Durdle Door. 
Search continues for missing swimmer at Durdle Door The coastguard is still looking for a man in his 20's from London, who went missing while swimming near Durdle Door. UPDATE: SEARCH CALLED OFF AFTER A BODY FOUND. 
RNLI rescue a yacht pinned against Sandbanks Ferry The RNLI releases footage of its rescue of a yacht wedged against the front of the Sandbanks Ferry - WATCH VIDEO 
The Christmas Tree Festival lights up the Emmanuel Baptist Church and brings plenty of festive cheer We find out more about this annual event by chatting to the minister at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Swanage, Mark Hatto and the church's adminstrator, Janet Norley. 
“I thought I’d have a go at this ‘being an artist’ thing” – Andy Knill from Artisans on the Beach Every Christmas the beach huts in Shore Road become pop up shops selling artwork and handmade crafts. We find out more by speaking to event organiser, Andy Knill. 
“There’s a lot of really good food stalls today…I’ve spotted the olives!” – Rotary’s Steve Parsons Every year the Swanage and Purbeck Rotary organises a Christmas market in Station Road. The club's president, Steve Parsons explains more. 
“Ours is a sunken bandstand and it’s rare”- Alan Houghton, who campaigned to save Swanage Bandstand. After many years of neglect, the Swanage Bandstand has been restored to its former glory. We speak to the man who led the rescue mission, Alan Houghton. 
“Clear sewers equals clean seas!” – Sarah Spurling, Love Swanage Beach campaign Love Swanage Beach is a campaign to help improve and maintain the bathing water quality in Swanage. We speak to the project officer, Sarah Spurling. Swanage Railway is back on track! The heritage railway, that’s been facing a funding crisis due to the pandemic, is to reopen soon but it won’t be back to normal yet.
Motorist left deflated in desperation for Studland parking space In a crazy attempt to park near the beach, this car ended up with flat tyres and an expensive repair bill! Studland becomes beach ‘overflow’ as Bournemouth declared a major incident Beach-goers who couldn’t find space in Bournemouth, flocked to Studland, blocking Ferry Road and some using ferry property as a toilet. 
From lockdown to gridlock as jams disrupt ferry operation Traffic chaos in Sandbanks leaves motorists stranded in Studland, as ferry has to stop taking vehicles. RNLI rescue a yacht pinned against Sandbanks Ferry The RNLI releases footage of its rescue of a yacht wedged against the front of the Sandbanks Ferry - WATCH VIDEO 
Kings Road East traffic flow to stay reversed as Institute Road reopens Swanage town centre road works are complete and Institute Road has reopened but like lots of things, it’s only back to ‘near normal’ - SEE VIDEO OF THE MAYOR 
Sandbanks Ferry ready to return to service Barring any last minute hitches, the Sandbanks Ferry is to resume operating from Wednesday 17th June 2020 but there are new rules in place. 
The Purbeck Gazette keeps going, despite cash crisis A collapse in advertising revenue means The Purbeck Gazette isn’t currently being printed but the June edition is out online from today. 
Defying studio closure, Purbeck Coast FM stays on air Despite government guidelines forcing the community radio station to close its studio on Swanage Pier, it’s managed to continue to broadcast throughout the pandemic crisis. 
Further blow to Swanage, as Carnival is cancelled With a "heavy heart" organisers say Swanage’s biggest annual event, that brings in over a million pounds into the town, won't go ahead. 
Painted pebble mania sweeps Swanage Swanage Bay is famous for its beautiful sandy beach but now pebbles have started to pop up everywhere! 
2020 season announcement by Swanage Rep Theatre Company The Swanage Rep Theatre Company says that regretfully, this year's performances are to be postponed. 
Studland boat party scrapped after seahorse protest Conservationists relieved after Dorset Cruises cancels boat party and jet ski soirée among the seahorse breeding ground in Studland Bay.
The “vast scar” of Wareham Forest fire revealed Drone pictures of scorched heathland in Wareham Forest have been released to warn of the extensive damage that can be caused by disposable barbecues. 
Durlston guillemot chicks jump off cliff The guillemot chicks at Durlston Country Park are now bravely taking a leap of faith off the cliff ledge and into the sea - WATCH THE LATEST FILM. 
“Appalling” mess left by Studland campers The rubbish dumped by people camping overnight in Studland is “appalling and simply not acceptable” says Purbeck Police. 
Ron the Seal spotted in Swanage Bay Back to his old antics playing with the buoys and surfing the waves, Ron the Seal has been filmed playing in Swanage Bay. 
Tortoise turns up nearly a year after disappearance A Swanage family has been surprised and delighted after finding their missing tortoise, that had been on the run since last July. 
First green shoots of recovery after fire “There is always hope” says Wareham Fire Station as it posts a photo of the first green shoots appearing after the Wareham Forest fire. 
Swanage Railway is back on track! The heritage railway, that’s been facing a funding crisis due to the pandemic, is to reopen soon but it won’t be back to normal yet. 
Swanage Market is back in business! Much missed during lockdown, Swanage Market is now fully operational, increasing its number of stalls and offering more than just fruit and veg. 
Durdle Door by appointment only A car park pre-booking system is introduced from today by the Lulworth Estate to prevent overcrowding and antisocial behaviour at Durdle Door. 
Swanage’s Albert Memorial to be re-erected Hopes have risen that an impressive obelisk that was erected in Swanage to commemorate the life of Prince Albert, will be restored to its full glory. 
Respect our communities pleads Dorset Ahead of a meeting to prevent a repeat of last weekend's scenes at Durdle Door, visitors are being asked to head home if it's too busy. Most read
Swanage News – Independent local breaking news
Swanage News is an independent and daily source of news and information about Swanage and Purbeck, published online.
Our news coverage is thoroughly comprehensive and aims to inform and engage both visitors and the local community.
We love Swanage and want to support the town to continue as a fantastic place to live, work and visit, while preserving the best of the traditional feel of the local area.
For all the latest news updates, visit this site regularly or follow us on social media. If you have news to share, please contact us.
