Andy Hadley News Today

Officials decided to permanently close a set of gates to prevent Poole Park in Dorset being used as a rat run to and from the peninsula famed for its luxury homes - saying this will improve road safety.

Councillors voted this week to close an entrance to the heritage-listed park, used by rat-running drivers as a cut-through near Sandbanks, one of the wealthiest neighbourhoods in the country

The Twin Sails Bridge is one of two bridges used for traffic and allowing boats into the harbour.

Future consultations carried out could be meaningless if the results on Poole Park are not followed, a meeting heard.

Food waste collections for Poole and a simpler recycling system are being proposed by the council at a meeting next week.

BCP Council and The Friends of Hamworthy Park organisation are funding the reopening of the Hamworthy Park padding pool for the year.

NEW council houses being built in Minehead will be protected from stray cricket balls following a decision by councillors.

A 17th-century Spanish tall ship will visit Poole Quay this summer.

Repair work on a long groyne is set to begin in April.

Assessments to decide where streetlights will be switched off overnight to save the council money are set to start.