News in Dorchester

Visitors to Hardy's Birthplace and Thorncombe Woods are urged not to feed the ponies.

A spokesman said: "They are bred to deal with a low nutrient diet, so even apples and carrots are not OK and neither are polos or things from packets.

A man has been arrested in connection with a series of reported burglaries on Dorchester and Weymouth.

The first incident happened at around 5.40am on Sunday, October 25, 2020, at Broadwey Village Stores on Dorchester Road in Weymouth. The offenders allegedly gained entry by smashing a glass panel. Nothing was reported as stolen.

Dorchester Nub News is delighted to announce that Nantes Solicitors has become our main news sponsor.

The firm has a long-established reputation in Dorset for legal expertise and excellent customer care since its opening in the 1800s, developing a considerable knowledge of the businesses and families in the local community.

Dorchester Prison is likely to be used for war games – until the market picks up and it can be converted to housing.

Owners, City & Country, has asked for permission to continue using the former jail for Airsoft games, which it has been used for, on an occasional basis since May 2019.

Town councillors in Dorchester are hoping to keep their share of the council tax increase below one per cent from April – compared to the five per cent Dorset Council is likely to impose.

But some fees and charges may have to rise in the county town, although these will also be largely kept to between two and five per cent.

This incredible picture, from scaffolder Shane Webb, shows for the first time the extent of the maze of poles and planks needed to carry out essential repairs on Dorchester's Municipal Buildings roofs.

The complex job, which also features a framework inside the building, is taking local firm South Western Scaffolding almost three weeks to complete.

Wildflower work in one of Dorchester's cemeteries has been recognised by the Dorset Wildlife Trust.

It has designated the town council Fordington Cemetery as a Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI).

Tree surgeons have carved a 'throne' out of the stump of a tree which had to be felled in Salisbury Field.

The creation has been so successful that it has since appeared in various social media photographs as people pause to pose.

Council tax could go up by £1.62 a week for a Band D property as Dorset Council's budget proposals go to cabinet for approval.

Dorset Council is proposing to increase its budget for financial year 2021-22 to just under £313m - from £304m the year before. This budget funds all services the council provides to residents, communities and businesses throughout the year.

The former Royal Yeoman pub at Dorchester Road, Grimstone has been granted planning permission for conversion back to a house.

The site is currently used as a café, restaurant and B&B with a campsite to the rear used by exempt organisations.