Plans to create a Purbeck ‘New Forest’ take shape Cattle, ponies and pigs are to be allowed to freely roam across an extended area of heathland between Stoborough, Corfe Castle and Arne.
Visitors and residents join forces in Swanage to tackle beach litter Despite pleas to beachgoers to take their rubbish home, volunteers are being kept busy ensuring Swanage Beach is clean, tidy and litter-free. 
Simon and Garfunkel tribute act returns to Swanage Stopping off in Swanage before appearing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the show Simon & Garfunkel Through The Years is at The Mowlem. 
Swanage Lifeboat goes to the aid of midnight swimmer The crew of a boat anchored in Swanage Bay at night called the UK Coastguard after they spotted a person swimming in the sea and were concerned. 
Swanage Sailing Club is booming – meet the brave beginners! Sailing in Swanage has seen a surge in new members as more people than ever want to get out on the water. 
Who’s in the driving seat? Launch of ambulance car challenge in Swanage A new activity trail for children has been launched in Swanage featuring Purbeck's much-loved and appreciated ambulance car. 
Swanage Lifeboat goes to the aid of midnight swimmer The crew of a boat anchored in Swanage Bay at night called the UK Coastguard after they spotted a person swimming in the sea and were concerned. 
Purbeck Police to listen to Swanage’s concerns Throughout the summer holidays, Purbeck Police are to hold pop up sessions on Swanage seafront to hear what residents and visitors say are their priorities for local policing. 
Racist incident at Studland investigated by Purbeck Police Police officers are appealing for witnesses following a racially aggravated public order incident in Studland. 
Local man dies in car crash on road near Kingston village Dorset Police are appealing for witnesses after a driver in his 20s died at the scene when his car left the road and ended up in a field. 
Coroner opens inquest into death of man on Lulworth Estate A man on holiday with his family, who died when he fell off rocks at Stair Hole near Lulworth Cove, was 47 year old Azhar Baig from Luton. 
Rotary cancels Swanage summer fete as Covid cases double in a week Swanage and Purbeck Rotary has called off its summer fete due to a rise in Covid cases and fears the event would attract a large crowd.
Swanage businesses forced to temporarily close due to Covid Covid rules have left a number of businesses in Swanage temporarily shut because staff have Covid or are self isolating. 
Walk-in Covid jab clinics start at Wareham Hospital as case rate goes up As the number testing positive for Covid rises in Swanage, people can get the vaccine without an appointment at Wareham Hospital. 
Swanage air cadet hall ‘unfit’ for post-Covid era Swanage Air Cadets branch is to close because of changes needed to the old building in order to meet Covid restrictions. 
Swanage care home closes after Covid crisis Following the death of 16 residents from Covid, Wordsworth House in Swanage has closed, after it was unable to financially recover. 
What’s reopening in Swanage as Covid restrictions ease? From Monday 17th May 2021, there are changes to the Covid lockdown rules across the country which will give a significant boost to tourism in Swanage. 
Deaths due to Covid drop sharply in Swanage for March Following February’s peak, the official ONS figures of deaths due to Covid-19, show that in Swanage and across Purbeck, the worst was over by March 2021. 
No parking in new loading bays comes into effect in Swanage While the work to create new loading bays in Swanage town centre was completed in June 2020, the rules to enable fines for illegal parking have just come into effect. 
Concern expressed by councillors over Swanage Ambulance Car’s future At the first meeting open to the public, to discuss the review of the Swanage Ambulance Car, councillors who represent residents in Purbeck, lined up to voice their views. 
Avril, the first Labour Mayor of Swanage! After four years, councillor Mike Bonfield has stepped down as Swanage Mayor and councillor Avril Harris has been elected to become the town’s 20th mayor. 
New Swanage Town councillor named The result of the by-election for the Swanage North Ward has been announced. 
Swanage voters go to the polls The polling stations will be open from 7 am for residents to choose a new Swanage Town Council councillor and the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner. 
Tow truck deployed for first time in Studland to control bad parking Over the hot weekend, Dorset Council had to exercise its new powers to tow away illegally and dangerously parked cars.
Flashing speed indicator installed on Swanage roads In a bid to remind drivers travelling into Swanage to slow down, Swanage Town Council has purchased a speed indicator device, otherwise known as a SID. No parking in new loading bays comes into effect in Swanage While the work to create new loading bays in Swanage town centre was completed in June 2020, the rules to enable fines for illegal parking have just come into effect. 
Illegally parked cars in Dorset liable to be towed away under new rules Following a tow away zone in Studland, Dorset Council is now set to introduce a tow away policy across its area, including Swanage. 
The Durlston bus is back in business It’s been a long wait for passengers but the D5 bus between Swanage and Durlston is finally back after a ‘fallow year’ last year. 
New Studland parking rules confirmed by Dorset Council A vehicle tow away zone is to come into force along Ferry Road in Studland but Dorset Council says there's still parking on the verge. 
Tolls to rise after Sandbanks Ferry public inquiry ruling The government has given the go ahead to increase the toll for cars from £4.50 to £6.75 by 2031, with a swift rise to £4.75 on Monday 17th May 2021. 
Plans to create a Purbeck ‘New Forest’ take shape Cattle, ponies and pigs are to be allowed to freely roam across an extended area of heathland between Stoborough, Corfe Castle and Arne. Visitors and residents join forces in Swanage to tackle beach litter Despite pleas to beachgoers to take their rubbish home, volunteers are being kept busy ensuring Swanage Beach is clean, tidy and litter-free. 
“Selfish behaviour” condemned after barbecue causes Arne fire RSPB Arne says a wildfire on a huge scale was narrowly averted thanks to a boat crew who spotted smoke and the fire service's quick response. 
Swanage sizzles in the heat but thunderstorms on their way The Met Office is warning that the current heatwave in Swanage is forecast to end with a bang - SEE HEATWAVE PHOTOS AND VIDEO. 
Controversial world first 5G network brings phone signal to Jurassic Coast A world first 5G network has been installed between Kimmeridge, Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door and Ringstead. but it's also sparked controversy. 
Volunteers urged to get on board at Swanage Railway There’s a new man blowing the whistle for recruits and volunteers to help run the award-winning Swanage Railway.
Future for Swanage loco uncertain as it faces costly overhaul Much-loved loco 80104 has been withdrawn from service at Swanage Railway and now it needs a full service costing more than £200,000. 
Newly restored 1940s steam loco surprises Swanage shoppers Spotting a steam train in Swanage isn’t unusual but it was unexpected to see a 1940s locomotive on the road, rather than in the train station. 
Full steam ahead as Swanage Railway emerges from lockdown Services on Swanage Railway are set to resume following the easing of Covid restrictions, having stoically survived a turbulent year. 
Swanage Railway puts fundraiser back on track with new behind the scenes video Volunteers from Swanage Railway are aiming to raise £65,000 by the summer to help fund a new carriage storage shed, and have released a new video offering trackside footage of ... 
Swanage attractions receive Easter gift from government A welcome cash boost of over £200,000 has been awarded to Swanage Railway and Durlston Country Park from the UK Government’s Culture Recovery Fund. 
Work to restart on new Swanage Railway rolling stock shed Construction of a new carriage storage shed had to be halted at the start of lockdown but now volunteers are hoping to raise £65,000 to get the project back on ... 
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. 
Who’s in the driving seat? Launch of ambulance car challenge in Swanage A new activity trail for children has been launched in Swanage featuring Purbeck's much-loved and appreciated ambulance car.
Aled Jones in Swanage for filming of BBC’s Songs of Praise Hundreds of residents and visitors flocked to Prince Albert Gardens for the first Songs of Praise filming of hymn singing for 18 months - SEE PHOTOS. 
Warning of traffic delays ahead of Camp Bestival at Lulworth A temporary one-way road system, reduced speed limits and parking restrictions are to be put in place to help manage traffic in Purbeck, ahead of the music festival at Lulworth ... 
“Worst ever” summer for staff recruitment across Purbeck An unprecedented shortage of staff has hit pubs, shops and holiday destinations in Swanage and across Purbeck. 
Rotary cancels Swanage summer fete as Covid cases double in a week Swanage and Purbeck Rotary has called off its summer fete due to a rise in Covid cases and fears the event would attract a large crowd. 
Stolen Corfe Castle family bronze tortoises come home… slowly Thirty years after they were stolen, bronze tortoises that used to belong to the Bankes family that once owned most of Purbeck, have been returned. 
Sporting events return to Swanage as Covid rules ease After a year’s absence, Swanage Coastal Rowing Regatta and the Swanage Triathlon are back on for 2021. Simon and Garfunkel tribute act returns to Swanage Stopping off in Swanage before appearing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the show Simon & Garfunkel Through The Years is at The Mowlem. Aled Jones in Swanage for filming of BBC’s Songs of Praise Hundreds of residents and visitors flocked to Prince Albert Gardens for the first Songs of Praise filming of hymn singing for 18 months - SEE PHOTOS. 
Iconic Purbeck landscapes captured in new exhibition at Durlston Well-known landscape photographer Andy Farrer took inspiration from his local surroundings for an exhibition showcasing his new work. Warning of traffic delays ahead of Camp Bestival at Lulworth A temporary one-way road system, reduced speed limits and parking restrictions are to be put in place to help manage traffic in Purbeck, ahead of the music festival at Lulworth ... 
Little Horrors relaunch The Mowlem theatre in Swanage Live theatre is back at The Mowlem and first up is an exuberant musical production by students from The Swanage School. 
Purbeck musical instruments urgently seek a new home A scheme that enables children in Swanage and across Purbeck to borrow a musical instrument is under threat due to a lack of storage space.
Non-uniform day raises £2,000 towards Swanage-based youth bus Local charity #Willdoes says it’s delighted with the success of its first Dorset Schools non-uniform day and wishes to thank everyone who took part. 
Swanage outdoor education centre up for sale at £2m The Allnatt Outdoors centre in Ulwell Road is being sold off after Covid restrictions wiped out its income. 
Help for parents as children in Swanage go back to school Dorset Council is offering support to parents and carers whose children are anxious about returning to the classroom this week, after an extended time away from the school environment. 
Views sought on use of £10m former school by Dorset Council Dorset Council wants to hear the views of Swanage residents about using St Mary’s School near Shaftesbury as a special school for pupils with additional needs. 
Swanage outdoor centre makes all staff redundant due to Covid Allnatt Outdoors has shut its centre in Swanage and on the Isle of Wight, making all of its 24 members of staff redundant after losing 97 per cent of its ... 
Christmas in full swing as Swanage playground is unwrapped Just in time for the festive holidays, Swanage Town Council has delivered a brand new play park, and re-named it The Chadwick Playground, after a local hero who saved the ... 
A million steps for charity – Swanage three on track Three charity fundraisers are out to walk a million steps for charity by the end of September. 
Princess Royal’s visit to Swanage – official photos released The Princess Royal flew in to visit volunteer coastwatchers from the National Coastwatch Institution stations in Swanage and St Albans Head.. 
Princess Royal braves Swanage weather to visit National Coastwatch Institution As patron of the National Coastwatch Institution, the Princess Royal flew into Swanage to meet the volunteers who keep a watch for those in trouble along our coast. 
Winners of Swanage community awards announced Awards have been presented to individuals and organisations in Swanage for their outstanding contribution to the community. 
Dedicated Swanage volunteer to tackle Jurassic Coast yomp for charity Well known in Swanage for his tireless community work, Frank Roberts is setting off on a 96 mile sponsored walk from Exmouth to Swanage. 
Swanage Sailing Club is booming – meet the brave beginners! Sailing in Swanage has seen a surge in new members as more people than ever want to get out on the water.
Swanage gets behind England team for Euro footie finals Football is coming home to Swanage! With England flags flying across the town, there'll be plenty of noisy support in this corner of Dorset. 
Swanage darts player takes aim at national title A Swanage darts player has won a shot at a national title after winning a competition held online because of Covid. 
Pavilion plans at Swanage Cricket wait on grant decision Cricket in Swanage is undergoing rapid expansion, as the junior section grows and the club plans a major extension to its pavilion. Sporting events return to Swanage as Covid rules ease After a year’s absence, Swanage Coastal Rowing Regatta and the Swanage Triathlon are back on for 2021. 
Croquet in Swanage hits a new high point Croquet is back at last and the Swanage club is boasting a record number of members. 
Swanage man wins UK national sailing competition Member of the British Sailing Team and Swanage resident, Sam Whaley has taken the top trophy in the Waszp UK Nationals 2021. Most read
Swanage News – Independent local breaking news
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