News in Dorchester

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.

Volunteers are need to help at the Covid-19 vaccination clinic at the Atrium Health Centre in Dorchester.

People are needed to help with the smooth running of the programme, starting on Saturday, January 16, to help on the day of clinics and for there to be a bank of helpers the team can call on as the vaccinations are rolled out.

Here are some of the job vacancies available in Dorchester this week.

Administration and clinic assistant

GPs and medical professionals have written an open letter to Dorset's residents to urg them to play their part and stay at home.

They are asking for the public's help to stop the spread of the virus.

A Dorchester businessman is using lockdown to help mental health charities after already raising £12,000.

Steve Chaldecott, manager of the Wessex Royale Hotel in Dorchester, wants to do something with his time while the hotel is closed during the current lockdown.