Police are appealing for information following a two-vehicle collision in east Dorset which closed the road for two hours on Thursday evening The incident took place at around 5.30pm on the 1st of May 2025 on the eastbound carriageway of the A31 between St Leonards roundabout and Ashley Heath roundabout The collision involved a red Sunbeam Alpine and a silver Peugeot 107 Both drivers were treated by the ambulance service for injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing Dorset Police have launched an investigation and are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant dashcam footage to come forward said: “I am appealing to anyone who saw the collision I am keen to speak to anyone who saw the manner of driving of either vehicle in the moments leading up to the collision I would like to thank the public for their patience while the road closures were in place as this enabled emergency services to safely treat the injured people and examine the scene.” Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police online at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101 and quoting occurrence number 55250061564 information can be passed anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111 You have successfully joined our subscriber list Get real time updates directly on you device Andrea is Bournemouth One's freelance reporter letting us know about all the relevant stories from around the area The Green Party is celebrating yesterday’s Gloucestershire County Council results The party has more than doubled to nine (from the previous four) following the elections on May 1st said: “These fabulous results are a sign of increasing disillusionment with the two main parties and a growing interest in the Green ethos of social and environmental justice and hard-working local activism The Greens offer real hope and real change and that’s a message that resonated with the electorate She added: “With this larger Green group we will have greater influence on decision making in our own right.” Re-elected County Councillor for Minchinhampton said: “We are absolutely delighted to get so many of our target candidates elected and to hit our target of doubling the size of the Green group on GCC “We have taken three seats from Labour as well as the new seat of Haresfield and Upton St Chloe Turner added: “The icing on the cake was the election of Cate James-Hodges to the Stroud Central seat of Stroud Central on Stroud District Council and her election this year is testament to the voters of Stroud wanting a dynamic Beki Hoyland (Forest of Dean: Blakeney and Bream) Gary Luff (Stroud: Bisley & Painswick) Natalie Rothwell-Warn (Stroud: Stroud Central) John Patient (Stroud: Haresfield & Upton) Ian Alexander Cameron (Prestbury and Swindon Village) Cate James Hodges (Stroud: Stroud Central Stroud District Council by-election) To contact the Stroud Times team, please visit our contact page to find the appropriate email address or send us your story via email on news@stroudtimes.com Website built and managed by Hewlett Photography & Design An overview of progress on the Coastal Carriageway improvement project For more information about this and other major highways projects, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/majorprojects All content © 2025 Lincolnshire County Council For more information about this and other major highways projects, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/coastalcarriageway Five hundred canisters being examined after man arrested in East Sussex town on suspicion of producing illegal substances A bomb squad has carried out a controlled burn of explosive chemicals discovered at a property in an East Sussex town as they continue to examine a further 500 canisters A major incident was declared on Friday while an operation continued to make the chemicals safe with 73 people forced to move to a nearby hotel A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of producing illegal substances and making an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose after police were called to the A259 Marina in St Leonards on Thursday More than 70 people who were evacuated have not yet been able to return to their seafront homes Sussex police said the man arrested had been detained under the Mental Health Act while inquiries continued The explosive ordnance disposal team confirmed the chemicals could pose a threat to life Sussex police issued an update on Saturday morning after speculation the incident was related to large-scale drug production The force also confirmed the incident was “not believed to be terror-related” and thanked those displaced and the public for their patience A Sussex police spokesperson said it was not yet known when people would be allowed to return to their homes or whether the Hastings half marathon would go ahead on Sunday as planned He added: “Significant progress has been made in making safe chemicals found in a house on the A259 in St Leonards on Thursday “The explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team successfully removed the desensitised chemicals from the house and carried out a controlled burn in a skip near the sea wall on Saturday morning “Searches by EOD are continuing this morning for any other hazardous materials in the house to ensure the house is clear of explosive material and the area is safe “Around 500 additional canisters have also been found containing unknown chemicals although these are not considered to be explosive “They will be tested and assessed by East Sussex fire and rescue service and national specialists following the completion of the EOD’s search “EOD’s initial assessment found large quantities of one material that indicated explosive elements in it Scientific experiments are now being undertaken to determine the exact nature of the chemical.” Ch Insp James Scott said: “All partners are working hard to resolve the incident as swiftly as possible and allow residents to return to their homes as soon as it is safe “We appreciate everyone’s support and ongoing patience We know this has been incredibly disruptive there is no indication that the 28-year-old man arrested intended to cause harm either to himself of anybody else “We cannot put an exact timeframe of when the cordon will be reduced and residents can return to their homes but we should know more late afternoon “We believe a decision on the half marathon will be made around this time Further updates will be delivered as soon as they are available.” Advice on dealing with waste and keeping your pipes clean Learn how to manage water issues and save water Dealing with and reporting flooding and leaks We provide various building and development services to help you complete your project and get you connected to the network We’re here to help you get your development connected to the public water supply We’re here to help you get your development connected to the public sewer network Here’s what to do when you’re in the early stage of planning water and wastewater solutions When installing new water mains for your development you can go through us or use a self-lay provider (SLP) how they operate and how to make a bulk supply or discharge application Learn more about our connection charging arrangements for when you need to connect premises to the public water supply or a public sewer We provide a range of commercial services across our region You can learn more and enquire about them here we have 31 reception sites that can accept a range of domestic and commercial waste Trade effluent is any liquid waste discharged into our sewers from a business or industrial process on a trade premises When you need a supply of water outside our normal service you can hire a standpipe from Water Services We provide a complete biosolids recycling service for farmers through our contractor ACS Here you can access all the information you need about our retailer commitment We want your experience with us to be simple and straightforward Here you'll be able to find useful information and links for water retailers Trade effluent is any liquid waste (effluent) discharged into our sewers from a business or industrial process Every year the population of the South East grows but the amount of available water remains the same Learn what your business can do to save water Here you can find all relevant documents for wholesale charges and the timetable of settlement dates Here you'll find all the latest information on what's happening in our region including our current Pathfinder projects Here you can view our latest environmental reporting on bathing water quality Here you can view our investment plans for 2020-2025 These will help us to improve and protect our region's water environment Here you can access our latest water level figures from our main sources - groundwater Find out what we're doing to tackle this challenge Here you can learn more about us and our ambitions and the people organisations and policies that underpin our business Here you can view or download both the latest and previous reports on our financial and non-financial performance Here you can find more information and access our latest reports about our environmental performance medium and long-term plans for protecting our environment and ensuring our water supplies With over 2,000 employees delivering essential life services to more than four million customers there is a role for everyone at Southern Water Read more about what we're doing to give back to our communities and customers and how we can help you too Here you can read more about our Board of Directors and their experience Find out what's happening in your area,reported incidents and planned works Kids dived into the Easter holidays with a free family swim session at Hastings’ Summerfields Leisure Centre with funding from our Hastings and St Leonards Goodwill Fund Here's how your family can jump in on the action Wednesday, 9 April, saw the first of a series of free swim sessions at the Bohemia Road centre after they received more than £6,600 of community funding from our Goodwill Fund for Hastings and St Leonards.  The sessions offer local families an opportunity to get some exercise and have fun together – without having to pay a penny The next one takes place from 2-3pm next Wednesday with additional slots at the same time on 28 May Community Partnerships and Programme Manager at Southern Water said: “It’s been fantastic to see children enjoying the start of the Easter holidays at this first session We’re really pleased to be able to provide more families with free fun over the coming months as part of our ongoing support for the Hastings and St Leonards communities.”   Freedom Leisure’s Area Healthy Communities Manager commented: “Our goal is to create an inclusive space where families can have fun and connect This funding has made it possible to extend these benefits to those who may be facing financial challenges and ordinarily may not be able to participate.”  Half will be made available either face-to-face or over the phone from 8am on the day before each session (call 01424 457691) The remainder will be available directly from reception from 1pm on the day.   Visit the Summerfields Leisure Centre website for more information.  Much of our environmental performance, including the latest data on pollution, carbon emissions and bathing water quality, is published here. Learn more about the organisations we work with and how you can get involved in helping us to create a resilient water future. Here you can learn more about us and our ambitions and the people, organisations and policies that underpin our business. Southern Water Services Limited, Southern House, Yeoman Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN13 3NX. Copyright © 2024 Southern Water. All Rights Reserved. Company number 2366670 - Registered in England and Wales. Notifications can be managed in browser preferences. I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The bomb squad has carried out a controlled burn of explosive chemicals discovered at a property in St Leonards as they continue operations to make safe a further 500 canisters A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of producing illegal substances and making an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose after police attended a property on the A259 Marina in the East Sussex town on Thursday A major incident was declared on Friday as 73 people were evacuated from their homes after a 100-metre cordon was put in place A Sussex Police spokesman said that it was not yet known when the occupants would be allowed to return or whether the Hastings Half Marathon would go ahead on Sunday as planned He said: “Significant progress has been made in making safe chemicals found in a house on the A259 in St Leonards on Thursday (20 March) “The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team successfully removed the desensitised chemicals from the house and carried out a controlled burn in a skip near the sea wall on Saturday morning (22 March) “They will be tested and assessed by East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and national specialists following the completion of the EOD’s search. “EOD’s initial assessment found large quantities of one material that indicated explosive elements in it. Scientific experiments are now being undertaken to determine the exact nature of the chemical.” The spokesman added that the arrested suspect had now been detained under the Mental Health Act while inquiries continued. Chief Inspector James Scott said: “All partners are working hard to resolve the incident as swiftly as possible and allow residents to return to their homes as soon as it is safe. “We appreciate everyone’s support and ongoing patience. We know this has been incredibly disruptive. “Investigations are ongoing however, from evidence gathered so far, there is no indication that the 28-year-old man arrested intended to cause harm either to himself of anybody else. “We cannot put an exact timeframe of when the cordon will be reduced and residents can return to their homes but we should know more late afternoon. “We believe a decision on the half marathon will be made around this time. Further updates will be delivered as soon as they are available.” Most of the residents evacuated after the discovery of explosive chemicals in an East Sussex property have been allowed to return to their homes as the major incident is stood down by emergency services But organisers of the Hastings half marathon, which was set to take place on Sunday, have cancelled the event because of the disruption caused to the route which would have gone along the affected road in St Leonards Organisers Nice Work posted on X: “With great disappointment A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of producing illegal substances and making an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose after police attended the address on the A259 Marina in the town on Thursday The suspect was later detained under the Mental Health Act A Sussex Police spokesman said: “Investigations are ongoing however from evidence gathered so far there is no indication that he intended to cause harm either to himself or anybody else.” He added that while tests were still being carried out at the house a shorter cordon would remain in place but the wider lifting of restrictions had allowed most of the 80 people evacuated to return to their homes Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said: “I am pleased that the vast majority of residents are at last able to safely return home “Partners have worked as swiftly as possible in the circumstances to make this possible working extensive hours and in extremely hazardous and challenging conditions bringing in extra resources to test chemicals and help reduce the risk to people’s safety “East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service will take over the chemical testing from EOD and they are supported by specialist colleagues from Kent, Essex, Cambridgeshire and Oxfordshire, and specialist police resources. “The public will see screens erected at the site to enable testing to be carried out effectively for the rest of the weekend. “Following liaison with ourselves and partners, the organisers of the Hastings half marathon have sadly taken the decision to cancel the event which was due to take place on Sunday (March 23). “We understand that the disruption to the local community has been significant and we remain grateful for your understanding, patience and support during this challenging time. “The safety of the public has, and always will be, our first priority and the decision to reduce the cordons was taken as part of a multi-agency response as soon as we possibly could. Further updates will be provided as soon as they are available. “As the lead agency for this incident, we can now confirm that the declaration of a major incident has been rescinded.” The Hastings half marathon has been cancelled after explosive chemicals were found at a seafront property in the East Sussex town News | UK Most of the residents evacuated after the discovery of explosive chemicals in an East Sussex property have been allowed to return to their homes as the major incident is stood down by emergency services But organisers of the Hastings half marathon have cancelled the event because of the disruption caused to the route which would have gone along the affected road in St Leonards “East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service will take over the chemical testing from EOD and they are supported by specialist colleagues from Kent, Essex, Cambridgeshire and Oxfordshire “The public will see screens erected at the site to enable testing to be carried out effectively for the rest of the weekend “Following liaison with ourselves and partners the organisers of the Hastings half marathon have sadly taken the decision to cancel the event which was due to take place on Sunday (March 23) Davey: ‘Disdainful’ Badenoch thinks fixing church roofs is beneath her Bomb squad carries out controlled burn of chemicals found at St Leonards address 73 residents still cannot return home after explosive chemicals found at house Past AXA Startup Angel winners share their tips “We understand that the disruption to the local community has been significant and we remain grateful for your understanding patience and support during this challenging time our first priority and the decision to reduce the cordons was taken as part of a multi-agency response as soon as we possibly could Further updates will be provided as soon as they are available we can now confirm that the declaration of a major incident has been rescinded.” Prince Louis steals the show at VE Day parade as he keeps dad William looking sharp and mimics brother George Prince Louis steals show with sweet antics at VE parade Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in major blow for Putin ahead of Victory Day celebrations Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in blow for Putin VE Day 2025 fashion: best looks from the day VE Day 2025 fashion: Princess of Wales to Lady Victoria Starmer New visa crackdown as Home Office plans to restrict applications from nationalities most likely to overstay New visa crackdown as Home Office plans to restrict applications London student nurse's roommate charged with her murder in Texas after fatal stabbing 'in row over cat' Roommate charged after London student nurse stabbed to death in Texas The Wallingford Therapy Team based at St Leonard’s Ward win October’s Exceptional People Team Award – for their life changing care St Leonard’s Ward is part of Wallingford Community Hospital – providing rehabilitation and palliative care for people who no longer require the services of an acute hospital but require greater support than currently provided in their home environment the team provided care for a patient named Roger who has lived with Parkinsons for over 11 years have pledged to live an active life amongst the challenges of the disease Both Roger and Pam were worried a recent stay at Wallingford Hospital may restrict their active lifestyle – but the Wallingford Therapy Team gave the couple hope with their excellent care to support Roger’s recovery Just 11 days after Roger’s discharge he was able to enjoy his home and venture out in the car again – this would not have been possible without the team They have great ambition for their patients and are never short of providing them with motivation and self-belief in their recovery The team employ strategy and procedures to test and develop individual capacity to ensure patients can return home They engage with both the patient and their loved ones to make decisions and help the experience be less daunting – Pam praised the team for their interactions and suggested it helped the productivity of care The happy and positive atmosphere gives the team a united front all committed to the goal of patient recovery doing everything they can to support patients to live their life to the full “I am delighted to read the fantastic patient feedback the Wallingford Therapy Team received – it demonstrates the real difference this service makes to people’s lives This award recognises the great level of care the team show to their patients helping them to recover the best they can” Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist Claire Austen commented: “The kind words and recognition for the therapy staff involved in this particular patients’ care are a welcome boost in these challenging times and all too often we can hear more about the things we don’t do well rather than the things we do “It has been wonderful to see the positive ripple effect this feedback and award has had on the whole team For a patient’s loved one to take the time to thank the team in this way means so much and is a wonderful reflection of the service they deliver every day to our patients “As clinical lead I am very proud of this team and how they facilitate engagement and positive outcomes with our patients and work together with our wider MDT to ensure patients receive the highest standard of rehabilitative care “We are fortunate to have a diverse and broad skill mix within this team who blend together seamlessly to support each other’s learning and workload and there is a shared sense of camaraderie and sense of fun that translates beautifully into making our patients admissions a positive experience.” The Wallingford Therapy Team were nominated by Pam for their exemplary care has lived well with Parkinsons for over 11 years but a recent illness in August/September 2024 meant a prolonged hospital stay “From the outset we were warmly welcomed to St Leonard’s Ward and immediately the team approach across the medical disciplines to ensure patients are cared for and speedily become well enough to return home was so apparent the physical therapy team worked regularly and effectively with Roger to help him regain his strength and manage the mobility challenges that Parkinson’s presents “The team were always monitoring his movements and activity to ensure he worked safely but at the same time presented well designed physical challenge to build his strength and physical capacity Parallel to that outcome the atmosphere intrinsic to this team is so positive it helps patients to commit to their rehabilitation activity “My husband also enjoyed the shared ‘banter’ and good humour Parkinson’s is a disease that can adversely affect mood the physical activity improved his mood every day She visited our home and subsequently organised specific aids including a bed to be delivered to ensure Roger can live more easily back at home Her advice was so insightful and significantly helped Roger to return to a safer home “The care shown to select activity to assist Roger’s recovery was thoughtful; for example I was asked to measure the height of steps at home The team subsequently set up appropriate step challenges They even went the extra mile to ensure Roger could safely transition from his four-wheel walker to his car seat “The team also committed to an obviously well used procedure to record activity and progress Over the weeks this provided a record of achievements and indicator of success got positive feedback from these records and it was motivating “As an observer it was also obvious that the intensity and degree of the challenges were adjusted to test and help Roger increase his capabilities This team are quietly efficient and beyond our specific experience I witnessed their interactions with other patients The degree of care and attention they give towards their work and personal interactions is second to none.” Follow us on social media to stay up to date We are sorry you did not find this page helpful Tell us how we can improve this page © 2025 Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust