Council leaders across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire say Wessex should be allowed to press ahead with mayoral elections in 2027 following Government delays to devolution plans elsewhere They say the region has already completed its local government reorganisation and is ready to move forward. In a joint statement, they said they want Wessex to join other fully unitary areas preparing for mayoral polls in the same year. The full article ca

A DORSET MP is calling for funded school transport to be extended to 16 and 17-year-olds after concerns were raised by students at Purbeck School. MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, Vikki Slade, visited the school to meet students and see its new Purbeck Complex Communication Base, which supports SEND pupils. The full article can be read here .

High street hospitality venues across Mid Dorset and North Poole face growing pressure, according to MP Vikki Slade, who says a VAT cut could offer immediate relief for local businesses. Polling commissioned by the Liberal Democrats shows that more than half of people across the South West are worried about losing their local pub, while many fear the closure of bars, nightclubs, cafés and restaurants. Vikki Slade said local businesses are dealing with rising costs alongside

A DORSET MP is calling for funded school transport to be extended to 16 and 17-year-olds after concerns were raised by students at Purbeck School. Continue reading here