The Bournemouth One News Centre

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

• Wimborne Road cycle lane cost £14 per rider

  A new cycle lane on Wimborne Road in Ferndown has increased daily cyclist numbers by sixteen, with councillors told this equates to £14 per extra cyclist. The seven kilometre project also led to a seventeen percent rise in pedestrians, but some councillors questioned whether the investment was justified. Officials explained the costs included wider improvements, such as safer crossings and better bus stops, and that benefits are expected to grow over time. The Department for Transport judged the scheme could deliver double the investment in public benefits over thirty years.

• Crews tackle beach hut fire

  A fire broke out at Sandbanks beach huts in Bournemouth, leading to a major emergency response. Firefighters were called due to the presence of gas canisters and the rapid spread of the blaze, which started from a faulty cooker. Crews safely removed the canisters, extinguished the fire, and ensured neighbouring huts were secure, with no injuries reported. Authorities confirmed there was no risk to the wider public during the incident.

• Poole Park Whitecliff Gate to Stay Closed

  Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has decided not to reopen the Whitecliff gate to Poole Park for motorists. Some councillors raised concerns about increased congestion and health impacts from traffic, as well as emergency access issues. The council said the closure supports green spaces and public health by encouraging walking and cycling. The parks team will continue to support access for those with disabilities.

• BCP approves traffic enforcement cameras

  Traffic enforcement cameras are set to target driving offences across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Councillors approved moving traffic enforcement at a full council meeting earlier this week, allowing cameras to tackle offences including banned turns and vehicles stopping in yellow boxes. Supporters said enforcement could improve road safety and ease congestion, while opponents questioned forecasts showing the scheme could produce more than one million pounds in annual net income. Some councillors described the plans as a cash grab or a war on motorists, although others said people who repeatedly break traffic rules should face further fines. The council said forecast income would increase as enforcement cameras are introduced at more locations.

• Former Dorset Police officer has sentence increased

  A former Dorset Police officer, James McClements, has had his sentence increased after admitting to misconduct in a public office. He formed an inappropriate sexual relationship with a domestic abuse victim he met during an investigation, initially receiving a suspended sentence. The Court of Appeal reviewed the case and raised his sentence to fifteen months in prison. Dorset Police stressed the seriousness of the breach and encouraged the public to report any concerns about police conduct.