The Bournemouth One News Centre

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

• BCP council tax rise above national cap

  Council tax in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is increasing by more than the usual national limit. The council has approved a rise of six point seven four percent for the twenty twenty six to twenty twenty seven financial year. Only seven authorities in England have been given permission by the government to increase council tax above four point nine nine percent without a referendum. The council says the additional increase will help support essential services.

• Skydiver died after parachute failed to deploy

  An inquest has been opened into the death of Poole man Charles John McNeil, who died in a skydiving incident in Devon. The 49-year-old instructor was involved in an incident at Dunkeswell Aerodrome on February 28. The coroner said the parachute failed to deploy during the jump. The hearing has been adjourned while investigations continue.

• Delay to Bournemouth Pier repair project

  Repairs to Bournemouth Pier are now expected to be completed in early twenty twenty eight. The work is part of a wider project funded through the government’s Levelling Up Fund. Plans include concrete repairs and measures to protect the structure from corrosion. The council says work could begin in the autumn of twenty twenty six once a suitable contractor is appointed.

• £6m sanction following Poole oil spill

  More than six million pounds will be spent putting right environmental damage caused by a major oil spill in Poole Harbour, paid for by the company responsible for the damage. The Environment Agency confirmed the package today after a leak from a pipeline in twenty twenty three by Perenco UK Limited. The money covers the clean up, compensation for affected businesses and support for wildlife and harbour projects. Funding will now help conservation work, improve access to the harbour and support local environmental groups.

• Fancy being part of a Poole pantomime?

  Young dancers and professional performers are being invited to audition for this year’s Lighthouse Poole pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk. The open call follows last year's production of Dick Whittington being nominated for Best Panto at the UK Pantomime Awards. Lighthouse is looking for four young dancers aged sixteen to nineteen and four professional ensemble performers. Auditions take place on Thursday the sixteenth of April, with registration closing on Thursday the ninth of April.