Local government
The latest local government news, including Swanage Town Council and Dorset Council.
Rollout of ‘ultrafast’ broadband in Swanage to start soon Swanage schools, Durlston Country Park and the tip in Swanage are to be among the first places in the UK to benefit from ‘next generation’ full-fibre broadband. 
New mayor for Swanage elected as Avril Harris forced to stand down In a surprise move, councillors voted for a Tory candidate to replace Labour councillor Avril Harris as Swanage Town Mayor. 
Swanage community awards launched to recognise local heroes Nominations are being invited for the Swanage Town Council Community Awards 2021/22, to reward individuals and organisations for their outstanding contribution to the community. 
New bins for Swanage seafront in latest attempt to tackle litter Bigger bins with seagull resistant lids have been deployed at Swanage litter hotspots in a bid to keep the town tidy. 
Planning granted for 90 homes on old Swanage Grammar site The former Swanage Grammar School site next to St Mary’s RC Primary School and nursery has got permission to be redeveloped, despite concerns from some parents. 
Repair bill for Swanage beach toilets to cost thousands The future of the public toilets to the north of Swanage Bay is up for discussion after a sewage pipe fractured. 
Swanage Town Council increases its council tax income by 12 percent The amount Swanage Town Council raises from council tax for 2022/23 is to go up by an inflation-busting 12.4 percent. 
Swanage and Studland not likely to get Dorset barbecue and fly camping bans Legal bans on antisocial lighting of fires and camping on beaches, are to be introduced by Dorset Council but it’s proposed they won’t cover most of Purbeck. 
‘Steep increase’ of dog poo on Swanage footpaths and green spaces Swanage Town Council says members of its operations team have been hit by flying dog poo on at least 20 occasions in the last seven months. 
Developer wins battle to scrap affordable homes at Swanage site In what’s been called ‘a travesty of planning’, a building company has won its case not to provide social housing at the former St Mary's School site. . 
New rules on Blue Badges in Dorset Council car parks set to come in Under new proposals, Blue Badge holders will have to pay when visiting Dorset Council owned car parks in Corfe Castle and Wareham. 
Jobs up for grabs at Swanage Town Council With 13 vacancies, Swanage Town Council is holding a jobs fair so people can find out more about the roles based in the Dorset seaside town. 
Planning officers agree affordable homes aren’t viable at Swanage site A row over whether new housing on the former St Mary’s School site in Swanage should include affordable homes, is expected to blow up again. 
Radical rethink by Dorset Council to reduce building in countryside Environment groups across Dorset including Purbeck are welcoming proposals to delay a key planning document and reduce the number of homes to be built on green fields. 
Councillors angered by bid to remove affordable housing in Swanage In a heated debate, Dorset Council nearly threw out the requirement for affordable housing from a proposed development in Swanage but settled on deferring the decision. 
Bin collections across Purbeck still disrupted admits Dorset Council Apologising to residents in Swanage and across Purbeck, Dorset Council says it is trying to fix the problem of missed or delayed bin collections. 
Swanage residents’ views sought on a pocket of open land The future of the old St Mark’s School playing field and sports court in Herston is under discussion since Swanage Town Council signed a lease to take over the land. 
Ban on BBQs and anti social camping not proposed for Swanage and Studland A legally enforceable ban on antisocial behaviour is being proposed by Dorset Council for some areas but not for the majority of Purbeck. 
Swanage library invites views on future services The future of Swanage library - along with others in the county – is the subject of a public consultation that’s been launched by Dorset Council. 
Swanage on-street parking charges set to go up The cost of parking in Station Road and Shore Road is to increase, along with Dorset Council owned car parks in Wareham and Corfe Castle, if the plans get the ... 
Swanage street name may be changed after complaint A street name that a family holidaying in Swanage found offensive is set to be altered after they contacted Dorset Council. 
Latest on Swanage Ambulance Car In response to concerns from Swanage residents, a special committee is to be set up by Dorset Council to scrutinise proposals about the future of the ambulance car. 
Fundraising hits target to refurbish play area in Langton Matravers Langton Matravers’ Parish Council has successfully raised £36,000 to re-equip the children’s playground, boosted by a £5,000 donation from a housing association. 
Earlier winter opening hours for Swanage tip to meet local demand Residents are being given the opportunity to tip up earlier to the Swanage recycling centre over winter, as new opening hours are introduced. 
Red phone box saved in Studland as another is lost in Swanage Studland Parish Council is to buy the telephone box in the village after an iconic kiosk by the ferry was removed before councillors could act. 
Dorset Council calls on central government to fix bin lorry driver shortage Regular rubbish bin and recycling collections are being missed in Swanage and across the county due to what Dorset Council calls an unprecedented staff shortage. 
Dorset Council appeal to find homes for Afghan refugees The need to accommodate Afghans fleeing the Taliban has prompted Dorset Council to urge private landlords and owners of second homes in Swanage and across the county to come forward. 
Planning granted for Stoborough housing but no second homes allowed Outline planning permission has been approved for a housing development in Stoborough on the Isle of Purbeck, on the condition it meets the terms of the Arne Local Plan. Swanage Town Council pays tribute to employee who died suddenly In what has been described as a “terrible shock”, a long-serving enforcement officer for Swanage Town Council collapsed while on duty. 
Housing scheme plugs gap for adults in social care across Purbeck A year after being completed, the modular apartments in Wareham are being deemed a success, as residents become more independent. 
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. 
Despite pandemic, Dorset Council meets its affordable housing target Over the last year, Dorset Council says that 301 new-build affordable homes were constructed with many of them in Swanage and Wareham, fulfilling its target of 300. 
Planning legislation to restrict second homes in Purbeck delayed The Purbeck Local Plan has been delayed while Dorset Council considers the responses to the latest public consultation. 
Local election candidates announced The names of those standing for election in the Swanage Town Council by-election and as Dorset’s next police and crime commissioner have been confirmed. 
Too late for Dorset barbecue ban for this summer Amid criticism of moving too slowly to implement a legal order banning the use of disposable barbecues in public spaces, Dorset Council will rely on an information campaign this year. 
Swanage’s on-street parking charges to be reviewed As part of new proposals on parking charges across Dorset Council, on-street parking in Swanage is under review. 
High percentage of residents urge Dorset Council to get carbon neutral quicker The results of Dorset Council’s consultation on its climate and ecological emergency strategy show that many residents would like it to become carbon neutral by 2030 and not 2040. 
Plans to prevent staycationer hell, rolled out by Dorset Council Dorset Council says it’s putting in robust measures to prevent a repeat of last summer's beach overcrowding, littering, illegal parking and outdoor toileting. 
More rural building granted as Purbeck misses housing target The government has told Dorset Council that planning permission in Purbeck should be tilted in favour of allowing new housing to be built outside a village’s development boundary. 
Solar panel initiative launched for Swanage residents People in Swanage are being encouraged to boost their eco credentials by signing up to the town’s new solar panel project. 
Action taken in Swanage against abandoned cars As part of an enforcement operation, a team from Dorset Council has targeted abandoned vehicles in towns across the county, including Swanage. 
Swanage Town Council seat up for election in May A Swanage Town Council ward election is set to go ahead following the passing of a “generous” and “respectful” councillor. 
Swanage Councillors pledge action to retain the Purbeck Paramedic Car In response to residents' concerns about the scrapping of the paramedic car, Swanage Town Council says it would like to meet with the South Western Ambulance Service Trust. 
Swanage Town Council says no to 150 more homes and gypsy site The town council doesn't back the Dorset Council's Local Plan on housing and gypsy site but wants to "leave the door ajar" for a supermarket outside the town centre. 
Corfe Castle calls People’s Assembly to discuss Dorset Local Plan Residents across Purbeck are being given the opportunity to discuss the Dorset Council planning document that will guide decisions until 2038. 
Big cash boosts for Purbeck community hubs Two Purbeck organisations are set to receive an injection of cash from Dorset Council as part of a grant scheme to support our cultural and community centres in Dorset. 
Swanage councillors disown leaflet about proposed gypsy site Councillor Gary Suttle and councillor Bill Trite who represent Swanage on Dorset Council say they did not write a leaflet that objects to a proposed gypsy site in Swanage. 
Ban on barbecues put on back burner by Dorset Council A Dorset Council committee has recommended not to impose an outright enforceable ban on disposable barbecues across its land. “Bitter pill to swallow” – Council tax to rise by five percent Dorset Council, faced with a budget shortfall in excess of £18m due to the Covid pandemic, has voted to increase council tax for residents. 
Proposal to turn Wareham Quay into a piazza A group of residents, backed by the environmental group, Planet Purbeck have come up with a proposal to pedestrianise Wareham Quay. 
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. 
#Willdoes, Rotary and children’s charity get grants from Swanage Town Council Local good causes have been awarded grants by Swanage Town Council to help with their charitable work. New questions on gender and military service in Census 2021 Swanage residents will be asked to fill in the once-a-decade survey of households this March 2021. Polling stations to be ‘Covid secure’ for May local elections Swanage voters are being reassured that safety measures are being put in place to allow local elections to go ahead in 2021 
Keeping most services running through lockdown says Dorset Council As Swanage settles in for another pandemic-necessitated lockdown, Dorset Council has released a list of its services, detailing what’s open, what’s shut and what is continuing but with restrictions. 
Many Swanage residents split between tiers as stricter Covid restrictions announced Dorset Council area is moving to tier three, while BCP council area, with its higher number of cases, is moving to tier four. 
New legal backing for dog rules in Dorset Swanage dog owners must take note that a new legal framework around dogs in public spaces will come into force in the new year. 
Swanage Christmas bin collection changes and a chance to help charity too! Christmas festivities are nearly upon us - but Dorset residents should make note of the new dates for the refuse and recycling collections over the coming days. 
Swanage Mayor hopes for brighter 2021 as he thanks those who’ve been supportive of others In his Christmas message, Swanage Mayor, Mike Bonfield paid tribute to the town’s key workers, volunteers and residents for all pulling together over the past 10 months. 
Dorset stays in Tier 2 as hospitals remain under pressure The whole of Dorset will remain under Tier 2 Covid restrictions amid concerns about the level of coronavirus cases in the area. 
Swanage Mayor backs plan to breathe fresh life into The Mowlem Swanage’s mayor has voiced his full support for a regeneration of the town’s iconic Mowlem theatre. 
Demolition of Swanage WW2 defences possible as public consultation ordered The future of the Second World War gun battery at Peveril Point hangs in the balance as the structure is decaying and it will cost thousands of pounds to extend ... 
“Drop in and pick up” free coats and PJs for kids in Swanage Parents in need of coats and pyjamas for their children are invited to stop by Swanage Children’s Centre to collect clothing to keep their kids warm through the bleak winter ... 
Free parking on offer in Dorset as Christmas shopping season begins As Christmas 2020 draws ever nearer, shoppers can enjoy free parking on certain days in Dorset Council car parks. 
Check which Purbeck roads are getting gritted, as it starts to get icy With winter and frosty mornings on their way, Dorset Council has initiated a new approach to gritting and Swanage residents can check online which roads have been treated and when. 
Swanage councillors recommend removal of parking spaces for bin lorry access The newly created on-street parking on the High Street near the library, is being recommended to be scrapped, after residents complained that the bin lorry can’t get up Mount Pleasant ... 
Plan to give legal backing to Purbeck second home restrictions in final stage The Purbeck Local Plan, which aims to provide the framework for future planning decisions, is out for consultation for the last time. 
Chance to make a difference during lockdown by tackling Swanage’s housing crisis A community-led affordable housing scheme in Swanage is being proposed and there's a Zoom meeting to find out more. 
What Dorset Council will and won’t deliver during November lockdown Many services in Swanage provided by Dorset Council are to continue through this second lockdown, however some things will have to shut to comply with Covid guidelines. 
Dorset bin collections and local tip expected to be “largely unaffected” by new lockdown The leader of Dorset Council has said he’s hopeful that most council services will continue as usual under the new set of rules to reduce the spread of coronavirus. 
Covid marshals to be deployed in Dorset towns this weekend With a sharp increase in the number of cases of coronavirus across the county, Covid marshals are to start patrolling the streets of the main towns in Dorset. 
Refuse collection in Purbeck to get new staff and vehicles Following a difficult spell for bin collections across Purbeck, Dorset Council has taken on new drivers and has plans for new vehicles. 
New initiative investigated to slow down traffic coming into Swanage Across Dorset, 45 communities already have electronic signs that show an approaching vehicle’s speed and now Swanage may get one too. 
Permanent flood defences proposed to transform Swanage seafront Residents are to be consulted on plans to install permanent sea defences in Swanage, alongside the pedestrianisation of parts of the seafront. 
Public Health Dorset and Dorset Council to give live briefing for residents on Covid With coronavirus cases on the increase in Swanage and across Dorset, there's to be a live briefing this week on plans to tackle the pandemic. 
Purbeck village pursues 20mph speed limit despite lack of “collision data” Langton Matravers’ parish councillors express disappointment that the request to Dorset Council for a 20mph speed limit through their village is “probably not looking positive". 
£500 self-isolation payment and Covid welfare check rolled out by Dorset Council Swanage residents forced to self-isolate may be entitled to financial support, and will get a call from the council to check on their welfare. 
Swanage organisations urged to apply for a slice of £100k fund Community projects in Swanage are being encouraged to apply for a grant of up to £5,000 from Dorset Council’s Leisure Development Fund. Swanage Beach open to dogs again for winter season Dogs are allowed back on Swanage’s Main Beach as the summer season has come to an end. 
Planning permission granted for 19 homes in Langton Matravers The Old Malthouse site near Swanage has been granted planning approval despite objections that it doesn't including affordable housing. 
Hunt to find fly-tipper of “disgusting” rotting meat dumped in Purbeck Council enforcement officers are searching for the culprit, who fly-tipped bags full of meat in the Purbeck area. 
Restoration work to start on Swanage’s Stone Quay and Parade A new and innovative engineering approach is being used to strengthen the Grade II listed stone quay and parade along Swanage’s historic seafront. 
Majority want permanent closure of Shore Road in Swanage In a survey of residents, 62 percent said Shore Road should be closed permanently between The Mowlem and the junction with Victoria Avenue. 
Price freeze on Swanage beach huts for next summer Anyone hiring a council-owned Shore Road beach hut will have to pay the whole cost upfront next year - but there will be no price increase. 
Councillor Mike Bonfield re-elected as Swanage Mayor for a new term Having steered Swanage Town Council through the coronavirus pandemic, Mike Bonfield has been re-elected at the annual council meeting. 
Swanage Library brings back fines for overdue books Swanage Library is reintroducing overdue charges, after fines were suspended in the wake of the coronavirus crisis but it's also reinstating reservations. 
Dogs on Swanage Beach – survey findings published Results include whether dogs should be allowed on Swanage’s Main Beach in the summer and if they should be allowed off the lead on the beach in winter. 
Swanage Library to reopen with new COVID-19 rules A new chapter for Swanage Library starts today as it reopens following its sudden closure last March 2020 due to the coronavirus crisis. 
£980k to make one person redundant, says Dorset Council While Dorset Council says it has saved £10m in staff costs, It's also revealed it cost £980k to make just one person redundant. 
Dorset Council agrees to suspend Swanage traffic experiment Following 90 objections to the reversal of traffic flow of Kings Road East, Dorset Council has announced a date when everything will revert back to normal. 
Swanage’s town centre traffic experiment to be scrapped The flow of traffic on Kings Road East is to be reversed, after the “dangerous” increase in traffic along the High Street. 
Bournemouth Hospital redevelopment gets planning approval Building plans at Royal Bournemouth Hospital, as part of the proposals to remove A&E and maternity services from Poole Hospital, have got the go ahead. Dorset Council says COVID-19 cost means difficult financial decisions ahead Due to the coronavirus crisis, Dorset Council says its unexpected £60m bill means it’ll have to dip into its reserves to survive. Thousands of jobs available for 2021 Census says Dorset Council People in Swanage and across Dorset are being encouraged to apply for temporary jobs to help collect data for the 2021 Census. 
Purbeck Sports Centre set to reopen after lockdown Following the further easing of lockdown, Purbeck Sports Centre in Wareham is to finally reopen after being closed for four months. 
Swanage Town Crier wins world’s first virtual town crier competition! Despite stiff international competition, Swanage Town Crier, Andrew Fleming has become the first ever virtual town crier world champion. 
Three Swanage retailers star in COVID-19 films Videos made to show how shops and businesses in Dorset are adapting to the coronavirus pandemic have chosen to feature three shops in Swanage. 
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 car parks to start charging again Car parking charges that were suspended during lockdown are to be reinstated for the car parks operated by Swanage Town Council. 
South West has second highest coronavirus R rate in England The Director of Public Health for Dorset says the South West does have one of the highest R rates in England but it’s not that bad - SEE VIDEO. 
New booking system for Durdle Door and fines for illegal parking To prevent a repeat of last weekend’s shocking scenes at Durdle Door of overcrowding, tombstoning and antisocial behavior, a new approach has been agreed. 
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. Business grants up to £25,000 being offered by Dorset Council Small businesses in Swanage that have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic but haven’t yet qualified for a government grant, may now be eligible. 
Lulworth Estate says it’s powerless to close Durdle Door In the latest news following last weekend’s shocking scenes, Lulworth Estate says it can’t stop people overcrowding its beaches and Dorset Council has written to the PM. ‘No dogs on Swanage Beach’ rule to be enforced For the rest of the summer, dog owners will have to fully comply with the regulations banning dogs from council beaches. 
Day trip to Dorset? “Please think twice” says Dorset Council In a personally worded appeal, Dorset Council’s Leader has asked people not to visit Dorset for now and car parks and loos will remain closed for the time being. 
Swanage Market to reopen with social distancing In a popular move, the town council has given the green light to a phased reopening of Swanage’s Friday market. Revealed – Dorset Council’s crisis response to COVID-19 In Dorset Council’s first online Cabinet meeting, the true extent of its fight against coronavirus in Dorset has been detailed, including its battle for PPE. 
Summer dog beach ban not enforced but dogs must be on leads Details of the arrangements for dogs on Swanage's main beach from 1st May have been posted up on the seafront. 
Don’t forget – Garden bin collections start this week! With the resumption of garden waste collections in Swanage this week, residents are being reminded to put their bin out for collection. 
Roadworks to restart in central Swanage and traffic lights to return Dorset Council’s highways team is to restart construction work in Institute Road in the centre of Swanage’s shopping area soon. £54m spending on pandemic leaves Dorset Council’s finances “uncomfortable” Dorset Council says it’s expecting to spend an additional £54m on coping with the coronavirus crisis. 
“How badly has your business been affected?” asks Visit Dorset Swanage businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector are being asked to say how much the pandemic has been impacting them. 
Local foster carer tells of family life in lockdown With many families in crisis during the coronavirus pandemic, Dorset Council has launched a campaign backed by foster carer, Amanda. Good news – garden waste collections are back! Dorset Council says it’s now in a position to resume garden waste kerbside collections starting from Monday 27th April 2020. 
Report “selfish” individuals who fly-tip during crisis, says Dorset Council With household recycling centres closed to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, Swanage residents are needed to help fight fly-tipping. Rules about dogs on Swanage beach relaxed Dorset Council is relaxing the restrictions that prevent dogs being walked on beaches during the warmer months, while the coronavirus pandemic is ongoing. Dorset Council starts paying out emergency cash to businesses The first government grants in response to the coronavirus crisis are now being paid out to businesses in Dorset, including Swanage. Swanage’s Mayor sends his thanks to ‘our lovely town’ The Mayor, Mike Bonfield has sent a warm message of thanks to residents for their help during the coronavirus crisis. 
The Swanage School appoints new headteacher The governing body of The Swanage School has announced that Jenny Maraspin is to become the school’s new headteacher with immediate effect. 
Swanage’s coronavirus response plans coming together to support the vulnerable Hundreds of community-spirited volunteers across the town are coming forward to offer extra neighbourly support to the vulnerable. 
Coronavirus crisis closes Swanage Library Swanage Library, along with all libraries across Dorset, is set to close at the end of Friday 20th March 2020. Dorset Council launch coronavirus newsletter for residents A coronavirus newsletter is being sent out via email by Dorset Council to keep people updated about latest developments. 
Swanage community spirit steps up to fight coronavirus impact Famous for its community spirit, the town is currently drawing up plans and going online to tackle the challenge of coronavirus. 
Sheps Hollow steps officially closed Extensive cliff erosion in Swanage Bay has forced the official closure of the steps at Sheps Hollow. 
Foot stomping success for The Swanage School’s production of Fame The musical, Fame, performed by a cast from The Swanage School, played to packed audiences at the Mowlem. 
New headteacher for The Swanage School A new headteacher is being sought for The Swanage School following the news that the current head, Tristram Hobson is to step down. Dogs on beaches – Dorset Council public consultation People in Swanage are being asked for their views on the rules for dogs in public areas including beaches. 
Views sought on permanent closure of Shore Road Swanage Town Council has launched a consultation to find out if residents support the possible permanent closure of the south end of Shore Road.