Dorset

Dean Phoenix wept in court as he recalled how he killed three-year-old Jaiden Mangan in Wareham.

Dorset goes to the polls on Thursday 2 May 2019 to choose the first representatives of the brand new Dorset Council. Elections to the town and parish councils in the Dorset area are also taking place on the same day.

Local elections are taking place soon

As preparations mount, we want to make sure you have all the information and support you need to cast your vote.

Who can I vote for in the Dorset Council elections?

Not sure who’s standing in your area? Information about Dorset Council candidates is live on whocanivotefor.co.uk

Type in your postcode to find out who your Dorset Council candidates are.

Details of candidates standing in the town and parish elections are also available online.

What ward am I in?

Dorset Council is a brand new council with brand new ward boundaries.

Your ward details are on your poll card but you can find them online too.

Enter your postcode to check your ward details.

Where’s my polling station?

The locations of polling stations have also changed in some areas.

Dorset’s polling station locations are now live on wheredoivote.co.uk

Anyone can search for their polling station by typing in their postcode.

How do I vote?

The Electoral Commission have produced a video to show people how to vote in the 2019 local elections in England.

If you need any assistance when trying to cast your vote, just speak to the polling station staff who will be happy to help you.

To be able to vote in any election you must be on the electoral register. It’s easy to register to vote online. All you need is 5 minutes and your National Insurance number.

Please note, if you haven’t registered by now you won’t be able to vote in the elections on 2 May.  But if you register to vote by Tuesday 7 May you will be able to take part in the European parliamentary elections.

How can I find out the local election results?

The election count for Dorset Council will take place on Friday 3 May 2019. The count for the town and parish councils will take place on Saturday 4 May.

Results will be published on our Twitter feed and on www.DorsetCouncil.gov.uk in real time as they are announced. We will also send a results summary to subscribers of our e-newsletter.

European Parliamentary Elections – Thursday 23 May

Further elections are planned to take place in Dorset on 23 May 2019.  These elections are for the European Parliament and for 14 parish areas in Dorset.

Brexit is causing some uncertainty about whether the European Parliament elections will in fact be held, but we have to work on the premise that they are going ahead.

We received instruction from the Regional Returning Officer to publish the Notice of Election on Friday 12 April and are making preparations to ensure Dorset residents can cast their vote on 23 May, should the UK not have an agreement to leave the European Union by then.

You have until midnight on Tuesday 7 May to register to vote in the elections on 23 May.

To stay up to date with Dorset Council news please subscribe to our e-newsletter and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

The post Dorset Council elections 2019 – cast your vote on 2 May appeared first on Dorset Council news.

Dorset Council has approved a request from Sturminster Marshall Parish Council for the designation of a Neighbourhood Area, which is the first formal stage of preparing a plan.

White Mill Bridge in Sturminster Marshall

Residents of Sturminster Marshall now have the opportunity to shape their community through the development of a Neighbourhood Plan for the area.

Call for volunteers

Sturminster Marshall Parish Council and Dorset Council are calling for volunteers to help with the formation of the Neighbourhood Plan.

Those interested in helping with the preparation of the plan can contact Mrs Alison Clothier, Parish Clerk, by email at sturminstermarshall@dorset-aptc.gov.uk

Trevor Warrick, Dorset Council Spatial Policy and Implementation Manager , said: “This is a great chance for people who have an interest in Sturminster Marshall to set out future development in the area. I encourage anyone interested in this opportunity to contact the parish council to find out more.”

What is a neighbourhood plan?

Neighbourhood plans were introduced in the Localism Act which passed through Government in 2011.

A neighbourhood plan aims to give residents more control over their local area, when plans for new homes, shops and offices in their town or village are considered.

Once the plan is written, it will be consulted on locally and submitted to the council for independent examination. It will also be subject to a local referendum to make sure it has the support of local people.

More information on Neighbourhood Plans can be found at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Any parish council or parish meeting that might be interested in forming a neighbourhood plan should contact planningpolicyteamb@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk for more information.

The post Sturminster Marshall have opportunity to shape future development appeared first on Dorset Council news.

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Do you dream of running your own coffee shop or tea room?

Space has become available to rent as a café/shop at Norden car park, near Corfe Castle.Following the recent refurbishment of the former office space, offers are invited from interested parties to lease the premises from Dorset Council.

Norden car park sits in a wooded area near Corfe Castle village. Along with a railway station, offering trips to Wareham and Swanage, the Purbeck Mineral and Mining Museum is on site, The area is the perfect gateway for cycling and walking, with paths leading to Studland and beyond. The site also hosts a picnic area, play area, cycle hire shop and public toilets. The car park can accommodate 350 vehicles.

The lease will initially be offered for 3 years. The space has a floor area of 16sqm= (172sqf). It is located opposite public toilets and is on the main thoroughfare to the railway station platforms.

As part of the lease agreement you would be required to restock toilet rolls and soap (supplied) in the adjoining public toilets during busy times and report any defects or maintenance issues.

If you are interested in leasing the premises from Dorset Council please email Bob.lockard@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk by 9 May 2019.

Expressions of interest should include a contact name, type of business and intended use. You should also state the annual rent you would be prepared to offer for the property. As a guide price the council would expect a minimum of £2,150.40 pa for the property. The successful applicant will be responsible for their own utility bills.

For further details, please contact Bob Lockard, Property and Estates Manager, Dorset Council 01929 557284 or email Bob.lockard@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

The post Commercial space to let near Corfe Castle appeared first on Dorset Council news.

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The legend of the handsome soldier who met a gruesome end and became the patron saint of England.

A 22-year-old man from Sturminster Newton was pronounced dead at the scene near Blandford Forum.

Police warn those attending the event on a farm that they are trespassing and should leave.

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George Carroll admitted nine counts of indecent assault against three pupils between 1963 and 1972.