The latest local government news, including Swanage Town Council and Dorset Council.
Residents denied voice on controversial Dorset tip booking system A move by a Swanage councillor to allow the Liberal Democrat controlled Dorset Council administration to save face over its unpopular policy to introduce a booking system at its household ... 3 days ago
Victory for Purbeck residents over hated tip booking scheme Dorset Council has climbed down from its controversial policy of forcing Purbeck residents to book half hour slots at household recycling centres - or tips - in Swanage and Wareham. 2 weeks ago
Names published of Swanage election nominations The official list of candidates who are standing for election in Swanage in Dorset has been announced, following the death of Bill Trite and the resignation of Debby Monkhouse 2 weeks ago
Bonfield back for fifth term as Swanage mayor Councillor Tina Foster has stood down as Swanage town mayor and passed the chain of office over to councillor Mike Bonfield, who was elected for a fifth term as mayor 2 months ago
Ron the Seal photo bombs MPs beach clean campaign at Durdle Door Four Dorset MPs including South Dorset’s Lloyd Hatton were at Durdle Door on the Purbeck coastline to publicise their campaign to clean up our beaches and coastline, when they were ... 2 months ago
Stars of Swanage community receive top town awards Residents, who were judged to have excelled in their contribution to the town in 2024, have been presented with a community award at a ceremony in Swanage, Dorset 4 months ago
Chance to nominate Swanage’s top stars for community award The annual Swanage Community Awards have been launched for 2025 and local residents are being urged to put forward the names of those who they think are the most deserving ... 5 months ago
Will Studland get a new luxury resort hotel? During six days of evidence, passionate arguments were heard in favour of replacing Knoll House hotel in Studland with a £65 million luxury resort but Dorset Council doubled down on ... 7 months ago
Studland hotel planning appeal to settle future of luxury resort Owners of the century-old Knoll House Hotel in Studland are challenging the decision by Dorset Council to refuse planning permission for a controversial £65 million redevelopment of the site 7 months ago
Dorset planners recommend refusal of Lidl for Purbeck In an extraordinary move, planners at Dorset Council say a discount supermarket at Sandford near Wareham in Dorset should not be granted planning approval, despite overwhelming support from local residents 9 months ago
Thanksgiving for 50 years of Swanage Town Council Despite a nasty accident to the town mayor a few days earlier, a celebration of 50 years of service given to Swanage by its town council went ahead as planned ... 9 months ago
Studland bids to become 20 mph village After winning massive support in a parish poll, Studland is the next village in Purbeck to apply to lower the speed limit through its streets to 20 miles an hour. 11 months ago
Plans for 93 new homes on Swanage school site A proposal to create 93 new homes on the site of Harrow House International School in Swanage has been submitted to Dorset Council, with 10 percent of the homes to ... 12 months ago
Purbeck bans sale of new build properties as second homes The Purbeck Local Plan, which provides a new framework for future planning decisions across the area, has finally been adopted, bringing with it new rules on second homes in Purbeck. 12 months ago
Solar panels to boost Swanage Town Council’s energy Thousands of pounds are being invested in renewable energy by Swanage Town Council in Dorset, with the aim of reducing its electricity bill and its reliance on the National Grid ... 12 months ago
Labour MP to represent Swanage at Westminster Labour Party candidate Lloyd Hatton has been elected for South Dorset constituency, defeating former Conservative member of parliament Richard Drax by just over 1,000 votes in the UK General Election. 1 year ago
Swanage election hustings goes ahead without key player Most candidates standing for South Dorset in the 2024 General Election did show up to the event in Swanage to help residents decide who to vote for, however Richard Drax ... 1 year ago
South Dorset election candidates to be quizzed in Swanage Voters are to have the opportunity to put their questions to the candidates standing in the UK General Election in the South Dorset constituency, which includes Swanage. 1 year ago
Swanage Library to reduce opening hours on Saturdays A major reorganisation of libraries by Dorset Council means Swanage library will now only open for three hours on a Saturday, although it will be open for longer during the ... 1 year ago
Newly elected councillors mark 50 years of Swanage Town Council Following the local elections, a new team of councillors took their seats in the Swanage Town Council chamber for the first time, 50 years after the creation of Swanage Town ... 1 year ago
Swanage election results spring a few surprises Following the elections, the names of the winning candidates were announced for Swanage Town Council, Dorset Council Swanage ward, and the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner role. 1 year ago
Names of election candidates for Swanage revealed There’s three elections coming up, in which Swanage residents over the age of 18 can cast their vote and exercise their democratic right. 1 year ago
Winners of Swanage’s community awards announced Swanage’s community heroes were recognised for their valuable contribution to society at a special event organised by Swanage Town Council. 1 year ago
Charities given chance to book free Swanage beach hut With the growing popularity of beach huts in Swanage, the town council is looking to support local charities and community groups by offering an opportunity to hire a hut for ... 1 year ago
Charges scrapped for DIY waste at Swanage tip Households will no longer have to pay to get rid of DIY waste at recycling centres including Swanage, as Dorset Council introduces a new scheme from the start of 2024. 2 years ago
Chance to influence future of Swanage Town Council There’s a big opportunity to change what Swanage Town Council does and how it does it, as all 12 seats on the council are up for election in May 2024. 2 years ago
Nominate a Swanage community hero for 2023 The annual Swanage Town Council community awards have been launched for 2023 which recognise local people and organisations for their contribution towards the town. 2 years ago
Swanage ice cream kiosk business up for grabs The chance to sell ice cream and snacks along Swanage seafront in Dorset is being offered to businesses, along with other opportunities on Swanage Town Council owned land including the ... 2 years ago
Multi million pound scheme proposed for Swanage seafront Two options to stabilise the eroding cliff under Sandpit Field - Swanage’s major event space - have been drawn up by architects, and both will cost Swanage Town Council millions ... 2 years ago
Swanage seafront survey puts Shore Road traffic as top concern Views on the Swanage Seafront Masterplan - an aspirational document to guide future planning decisions - while generally positive, has revealed that the biggest concern is traffic along the seafront. 2 years ago
New vision for Swanage’s seafront floated A draft document billed as a masterplan, has been published identifying areas of the seafront in Swanage that could benefit from investment. 2 years ago
Coronation teaspoons given to Swanage children as memento All children attending Swanage primary schools have received a silver plated teaspoon from Swanage Town Council to commemorate the coronation of King Charles III. 2 years ago
A day’s parking to cost £20.60 along Swanage seafront The price of on-street parking along Shore Road in Swanage is to increase by an inflation-busting 72 percent, making it one of the most expensive places to park a car ... 2 years ago
Second home tax in Dorset delayed Dorset Council was set to charge owners of second homes double council tax from April 2024 but its plans have been thwarted by the slow progress of government legislation through ... 2 years ago
Swanage council scraps gender neutral title in documents Councillors have voted to stop using the title ‘chair’ for anyone chairing a Swanage Town Council meeting and will use ‘chairman' instead, irrespective of gender. 2 years ago
Plea to change Swanage High Street parking hours A proposal to extend the time that vehicles can park along a stretch of the High Street in Swanage is being given serious consideration by Swanage Town Council 2 years ago
Second home owners ‘unhappy’ over Dorset Council’s tax plan As Dorset Council took another step towards introducing a second home tax, councillors said they had been inundated with emails and letters from many second home owners. 2 years ago
Swanage aims to take back control over town planning Work has begun to create a neighbourhood plan for Swanage which is likely to include new policies on affordable housing, second homes and new building developments. 3 years ago
Winners of the Swanage Community Awards 2022 announced Swanage residents, who were judged to have excelled in their contribution to the town in 2022, were presented with a community award at a ceremony in Swanage. 3 years ago
New consultation on future of Swanage Library Dorset Council is undertaking a second consultation on the future for libraries in its area including Swanage, with the promise that closing them isn't part of the plan. 3 years ago
Swanage turns out to hear the royal proclamation The news of the accession of King Charles III to the throne was announced by the Swanage Town Mayor in a time-honoured tradition - WATCH VIDEO. 3 years ago
Huge queue for Swanage Town Council toilet meeting More than a hundred local residents turned out for a meeting about the toilets at Burlington Chine in Swanage, prompted by inaccurate information on social media. 3 years ago
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. 3 years ago
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. 3 years ago
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. 3 years ago
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. 3 years ago
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. 4 years ago
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. 4 years ago
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 ... 4 years ago
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. 4 years ago
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. 4 years ago
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. 4 years ago
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. 4 years ago
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. 4 years ago
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. 4 years ago
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. 4 years ago
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. 4 years ago
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. 4 years ago
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. 4 years ago
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. 4 years ago
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. 4 years ago
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. 5 years ago
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. 5 years ago
“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 ... 5 years ago
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. 5 years ago
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. 5 years ago
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. 5 years ago
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. 5 years ago
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. 5 years ago
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. 5 years ago
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. 5 years ago
‘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. 5 years ago
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. 5 years ago
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. 5 years ago
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. 5 years ago
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. 5 years ago
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. 5 years ago
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. 5 years ago
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. 5 years ago
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. 5 years ago
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. 5 years ago