The Bournemouth One News Centre

All the news you need for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole with travel information and national headlines.

• How town councils could be scrapped

  Residents could reverse new town councils in Bournemouth, Poole and Broadstone. It would require a formal review or a public petition. The process could take up to a year.

• Shoplifting in Dorset more than doubles in five years

  Shoplifting offences in Dorset have more than doubled in the past five years. New figures show over five thousand cases were recorded last year. A local MP is calling for stronger community policing.

• Horses cause lunchtime closure of A338

  The A338 was closed in both directions near the Blackwater junction on Tuesday after a dozen horses got onto the road shortly before midday. Traffic was stopped for more than an hour, causing long queues on routes including Christchurch Road, Matchams Lane, Hurn Bridge, Avon Causeway and Cooper Dean. Bournemouth One gave live updates from the Welcome to Bournemouth bridge during the closure. Dorset Police said officers were managing traffic while the incident was dealt with, and the road reopened just before two pm after the horses were removed.

• Hospice and choir merger expands support

  A hospice and a community choir in Dorset have merged to expand wellbeing support. Lewis-Manning Hospice Care has joined with Rising Voices Wessex to reach more people living with cancer and life-limiting illness. The choir will now run weekly sessions in Poole, offering a space for connection and shared experiences. The move also secures the choir’s future while widening access to support for families and carers.

• New £3m car park opens at Wimborne hospital

  A new car park has opened at Wimborne’s Victoria Hospital. The £3 million project adds more spaces and improves access. It has been funded by a local charity supporting the hospital.