The Bournemouth One News Centre

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

• Lib Dems urge VAT cut to support local pubs

  Liberal Democrat MP Vikki Slade is calling for an emergency cut in VAT to help struggling pubs, cafés and attractions. She says many are at risk due to rising costs and falling customer spending. The proposal would see VAT on hospitality reduced from twenty per cent to fifteen per cent for seventeen months, funded by a windfall tax on banks. Vikki Slade says this would protect local jobs and give small businesses the breathing space they need.

• Ferndown businesses honoured at local awards

  Businesses from across Ferndown have been recognised at this year’s Ferndown Business Awards, held at the Barrington Theatre. Hartley’s Events was named Business of the Year, while DorsetFit and Unwind With Us each won multiple awards. Winners included companies from a wide range of sectors, celebrating customer service, community support, and workplace excellence.

• Residents share safety concerns with MP

  Bournemouth West MP Jessica Toale has hosted three Safer Communities events in Redhill, Slades Farm and Winton. Residents met with Dorset Police and BCP Council’s anti-social behaviour team to discuss neighbourhood issues, including nuisance behaviour, illegal bike use and shoplifting. The events aimed to strengthen communication between the public, police and council. Concerns raised will help shape future patrols and community safety work across north Bournemouth.

• Dorset Council faces £5.3m overspend

  Dorset Council is predicting a 5.3 million pound overspend by the end of the financial year. The shortfall is mainly due to rising costs in adult and children’s social care, alongside delays in its transformation savings programme. Contingency funds have been released and tighter spending controls introduced. Reserves are expected to fall from one hundred and fourteen million to eighty-two million pounds by year-end. The council says it will continue reviewing services and strengthening financial controls to deliver future savings.

• Christmas events bring festive joy across BCP

  A packed programme of Christmas events is underway across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Bournemouth hosts its biggest-ever Christmas market, light installations, and the return of the Alpine Lodge Bar, while Poole’s festivities include a Santa Parade, Italian Market, and storytelling with Santa. In Christchurch, visitors can enjoy the Highcliffe Castle Market, tree festival, and Beauty and the Beast at the Regent Centre.