Dorset Echo

The Dorset Echo is a daily publication based in Dorset, England. Issued from its editorial offices in Weymouth, the newspaper is released Monday through Saturday and focuses on news relevant to the south, central, and western parts of Dorset. On Saturdays, readers can enjoy an additional lifestyle magazine titled 'Weekend', which is created by the newspaper's own team.

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English

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#33979

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#1207

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#101

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Articles

West Stafford Road near Dorchester to close for repairs

20 hours ago | dorsetecho.co.uk | Alfie Lumb

West Stafford Road will be closed for a week (Image: Dorset Council, Google Maps) A main route into a village will be closed for essential repairs later this month. West Stafford Road, which leads to the picturesque Dorset village for which it is named, near Dorchester, will be closed whilst Dorset Council’s Highway maintenance team carry out targeted and essential repair of the roads.
Tributes paid to family man and 'local hero' Les Watts

1 day ago | dorsetecho.co.uk | Alfie Lumb

Dorchester-born Len Watts was a drayman at the Eldrige and Pope Co. brewery in the county town, and continued his passions into retirement, where he brought smiles to the community. Les passed away late last month aged 89, and leaves behind a loving wife Milly, five children Owen, Melvin, Linda, Martin and Julian, 22 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.
Electricity provider confirms week-long road closure in place for 'essential work'

1 day ago | dorsetecho.co.uk | Andy Jones

Maiden Street is closed in Weymouth due to planned electricity works (Image: Supplied) AN electricity provider has confirmed that it is carrying out 'essential repair work' to a town centre road in Weymouth. As reported, Maiden Street will be closed until Friday whilst utility and maintenance is carried out by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) with work beginning at 9am on Monday morning.
Alleged sexual assault on Weymouth beach near VE Day concert

1 day ago | dorsetecho.co.uk | Andy Jones

It was reported that between 6.55pm and 7.30pm on Saturday that a woman aged in her 20s was on the beach near to the toilets by the King’s Statue on The Esplanade when she saw two men in orange hi-vis vests. This was whilst the VE Day commemoration concert was taking place on Weymouth seafront. The men made inappropriate comments towards her, before one of them reportedly tried to touch her inappropriately over her clothing.
More than 1,000 NHS staff to stage protest against job outsourcing plans

1 day ago | dorsetecho.co.uk | Andy Jones

Around 1,300 NHS workers will be voicing their concerns that staff employed by hospitals in Dorset could face the possibility of inferior pay and conditions under controversial plans to transfer them to a new company. Workers will take part in three lunchtime rallies outside hospitals - including Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester. There will also be protests outside Bournemouth and Poole hospitals in opposition to the proposals.
LIVE: Dorset traffic and travel updates

1 day ago | dorsetecho.co.uk | Andy Jones

As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles. Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services. These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience – the local community. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times.
Music scholar to perform free lunchtime concert this week

1 day ago | dorsetecho.co.uk | Alfie Lumb

St Peter's Church on High West Street in Dorchester is hosting its monthly free lunchtime concert on Saturday, May 17. This thirty-minute programme of music for flute and piano will be performed by Nadia Divincenzo and Rob Taylor from 12.30pm. Nadia is a final year undergraduate studying Animation at Bournemouth University, where she is also a music scholar.
Road connecting two Dorset villages to close for essential works

1 day ago | dorsetecho.co.uk | Alfie Lumb

Rectory Road between Charlton Down and Piddlehinton, outside Dorchester, will be closed for a day whilst Dorset Council’s Highways Maintenance Team carries out targeted and localised work along the stretch of road. The road will be closed from Wednesday June 11 to Thursday, June 12, between the hours of 9.30am and 3.30pm. It will be re-opened to traffic overnight.
'No longer prisoners': Campaigners rejoice as safe pathway out of village opened

1 day ago | dorsetecho.co.uk | Alfie Lumb

The first phase of the Chideock to Bridport path has been built. The new surfaced path, which started construction back in January 2024, is based on the north side of the A35, and was campaigned for after locals highlighted the lack of a safe pedestrian route out of the village. The route from Chideock to Bridport is approximately three miles and after years of negotiations, and a two year delay due to issues with a gas pipe, the first part of the path was completed.
Dorset local children's services 'outstanding' Ofsted report

1 day ago | dorsetecho.co.uk | Alfie Lumb

The watchdog inspected Dorset Council’s children’s services from March 17 to March 21 this year. It was graded outstanding overall in its impact of leaders on social work practice, experiences and progress of children who need help, experiences of children in care and overall effectiveness. It was graded good for the experiences and progress of care leavers.