The Bournemouth One News Centre

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

• Winter wonderland decision deferred

  A decision on Bournemouth’s winter wonderland event has been delayed after councillors said more time was needed to deal with biodiversity concerns linked to a cherry tree removed in the Lower Gardens. The planning application relates to the Christmas event now running in the town centre, including the long ice rink and chalet area, and was due to be ruled on this week. Councillors heard the tree was taken down by the council during the application process, which triggered extra biodiversity requirements, and the applicant has agreed to fund six replacements. The committee has voted to defer the decision and delegate it to the Head of Planning, with the event continuing to operate while issues are resolved.

• Residents invited to name local gritters

  BCP Council is asking people across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole to suggest names for the council’s gritting vehicles as the winter season begins. The council says the aim is to encourage residents to learn more about the work of the highways teams who keep roads safe in icy weather. Councillor Richard Herrett says the competition is a simple way to bring some cheer to the colder months and recognise the teams working through the night. People can submit ideas through the council’s social media channels, and the chosen names will appear on the vehicles in early December.

• Specsavers Poole hosts diabetes event

  Staff in Specsavers Poole highlighted diabetes awareness by wearing blue and speaking with residents about early signs of the condition. They explained that eye tests can identify changes linked to diabetes before symptoms appear. The team stressed that conditions leading to sight loss can often be managed if found early. They also noted that national figures show many people will experience sight loss during their lifetime.

• Cyber funding awarded to Bournemouth Uni

  Bournemouth University has received almost two point three million pounds to create a new centre aimed at improving cyber skills locally and nationally. The funding will support upgraded facilities and an AI-powered training environment where students can learn to respond to realistic incidents. University staff say the centre will help meet urgent industry needs and support the wellbeing of future cyber professionals. They also plan to run public training for local organisations through the Dorset Digital Skills Partnership.

• Police team honoured for Bournemouth case

  Dorset Police’s major crime team has been recognised nationally for its work investigating the murder of Amie Gray and the attempted murder of Leanne Miles on Bournemouth beach last year. The award acknowledges the team’s detailed work to identify and arrest Nasen Saadi, who was later jailed for life. Senior officers said the recognition reflects the commitment shown across the force and the courage of those who helped the investigation. The Police and Crime Commissioner said the case deeply affected the community and praised the team’s professionalism.