The Bournemouth One News Centre

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

• Wildfire Risk High in Dorset and Wiltshire

  Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is warning people in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole about a high risk of wildfires. The service has responded to several large fires in fields and heathland, which are difficult to control and harm local wildlife. Residents are urged to avoid barbecues, campfires and bonfires, and to dispose of smoking materials safely. Farmers are also being asked to take extra precautions with machinery during the hot weather.

• Have your say on BCP 20mph zone consultation

  Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council is consulting on a new 20mph neighbourhood scheme for several local areas. The council highlights the high number of schools, students and past road accidents as reasons for the proposal. Evidence from other 20mph zones in the region shows a significant reduction in casualty accidents. Residents are encouraged to share their views and attend drop-in sessions to learn more.

• BCP misses out on Town of Culture shortlist

  Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole has not been shortlisted for the UK Town of Culture twenty twenty eight competition. The council says the bid helped bring together artists, cultural organisations, community groups and local partners to showcase the area’s shared identity and strengthen working relationships. Although the bid will not move forward, those involved say the process has created a strong foundation for future cultural projects across the three towns. Council leaders and cultural organisations have pledged to keep supporting local artists, residents and businesses through new initiatives and partnerships. They say the momentum created by the bid will continue beyond the competition.

• Ska festival returns to field near Colehill

  A Dorset music event is back this weekend with more than forty bands and DJs. Summer Camp Out twenty twenty-six will bring ska, reggae and Two Tone sounds to a dairy farm near Colehill, close to Wimborne, with camping, food stalls, family areas and entertainment running across the weekend. The event is headlined by The Guns of Navarone, who will bring a mix of classic ska, reggae and Two Tone energy to the weekend.

• BCP SEND services make strong progress

  Support for children and young people with SEND across BCP has reached a new milestone. The government is stepping down its statutory direction for the local partnership and moving to an Improvement Notice, after recognising progress across education, health and care. The Education Secretary said the decision reflects hard work to improve services, with better partnership working, more responsive health support and stronger involvement from families. More SEND needs are now being met in mainstream schools, with two hundred and seventy six additional suitable places created over the past two years. Further progress is still needed, with a local SEND Reform Plan awaiting government approval this autumn.