Local News
Sky, FACT and UK Police Intensify Nationwide Crackdown on Illegal Streaming
UK authorities, broadcasters, and anti-piracy groups have significantly stepped up their fight against illegal streaming, as Sky, the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), and multiple UK police forces launch a coordinated nationwide enforcement campaign. The intensified crackdown targets the sale and use of so-called “dodgy” Fire Sticks and unauthorized IPTV services, with operations focused on […]
Youth Detained After Allegedly Harming Wildlife in Weymouth Cemetery
At around 17:30 22nd January, an off-duty police officer alerted the local neighbourhood policing team after observing youths allegedly shooting at wildlife in the trees at Weymouth Cemetery, off Abbotsbury Road. Responding promptly, the team, accompanied by the off-duty officer, located two youths at the scene. Officers witnessed one of the youths hitting a pigeon […]
Bank Holidays 2026
Here’s a comprehensive guide to all the UK bank holidays in 2026, perfect for planning travel, time off, or just marking your calendar. Bank Holidays 2026 — At a Glance Here’s the full list of statutory public/bank holidays that most people and organisations recognise: 📅 England & Wales (8 Bank Holidays) Thursday 1 January 2026 […]
The UK government has formally approved plans for a vast new Chinese embassy complex in central London
The UK government has formally approved plans for a vast new Chinese embassy complex in central London, despite clear warnings from national security officials that it is “not realistic” to eliminate all potential risks associated with the project. The controversial decision, signed off by Housing Secretary Steve Reed, authorises the construction of what would be […]
Specialist Dorset Police unit secures lifelong protections for stalking victim
A specialist Dorset Police unit set up to manage the county’s most dangerous offenders for violence against women and girls (VAWG) has helped secure additional, long-term protection for a stalking victim. The force’s High Harm Unit, launched in 2023, closely monitors the 15 highest-risk VAWG offenders in Dorset. The team takes an early-intervention approach aimed […]
Chickerell Town Council keeps tax rise to a minimum for 2026/27
Residents of Chickerell are set to see only a very small rise in their town council tax after Chickerell Town Council agreed its precept for the 2026/27 financial year at a meeting on 13 January 2026. The increase amounts to just five pence per week for a Band D property, equating to £2.09 per year. […]
Rape Offences by Multiple Offenders in Dorset: FOI Disclosure (2010–2025)
In January 2026, Dorset Police published a detailed Freedom of Information (FOI) disclosure that provides historic data on rape and sexual assault offences involving multiple offenders recorded in the force area. The disclosure covers the period 1 January 2010 to 30 November 2025 and was released by the force’s Performance Analysis Department in response to […]
Witnesses and dashcam footage sought after Weymouth road collision
We are appealing for witnesses or motorists with relevant dashcam footage to come forward following a road traffic collision in Weymouth. A report was received at 3.13pm on Friday 9 January 2026 of a collision involving a red KIA Ceed and a pedestrian at the junction of Portland Road and Parkmead Road. The pedestrian, a […]
Harbour Homecoming: Dorset Seafood Festival Returns to Weymouth’s Waterfront in 2026
After several years away from its traditional setting, the Dorset Seafood Festival is set to make a celebrated return to Weymouth Harbour next summer in what organisers are calling a long-awaited Harbour Homecoming. The much-loved event will take place on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th July 2026, bringing the festival back to the historic waterfront […]
England to Clean Up Communities with Deposit Return Scheme for Plastic Bottles and Cans
The UK Government has confirmed that England will introduce a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for plastic bottles and metal cans — a major new environmental initiative designed to cut litter, boost recycling rates and help end the “throwaway society.” (GOV.UK) What Is the Deposit Return Scheme? Under the scheme, people in England buying drinks in […]