beta This is a new service – your feedback will help us to improve it Verwood Library will close to customers on Monday 18th November and reopen on Saturday 23 November The closure will allow essential building work to be carried out to prepare for the installation of new technology which will allow library members to use library facilities beyond staffed opening hours We hope to launch this “Extended Access” for our library members at Verwood later this year Customers are able to borrow up to 20 books  All book loans will be extended to ensure no returns are due whilst the library is closed During the closure, customers are encouraged to visit nearby libraries: Ferndown, West Moors and Wimborne where they can borrow and return books as well as use the facilities. Customers can also access our 24/7 online library offer for E-books, E-magazines and E-newspapers, to view their account and find information about our other services and library opening times Libraries - Dorset Council The investment in Verwood Library has been funded by Arts Council England and is part of a broader project to launch 'Extended Access' at 4 Dorset library sites: Verwood Culture and Community Engagement at Dorset Council said:  We’re really pleased to be able to improve the facilities for our customers at Verwood Library thanks to funding from Arts Council England We know the residents will benefit significantly from the investment and expansion of opening times once the work has been completed.” A VAUXHALL Insignia was seized by police in Verwood after it is suspected to have been involved in the illegal dumping of waste across Dorset Dorset Police Rural Crime Team seized the car – registration SV61 HKH – and personal effects found inside at around 1.02pm on Friday A spokesperson for Dorset Council Waste Services said the car is subject to a live investigation “It has now been seized pending that investigation under Sections 33/34/34B of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (breach of duty of care and illegal depositing of waste),” they said READ MORE: Verwood man Shane Chapman sentenced over assault and theft at ‘illegal hunting incident’ READ MORE: Man sentenced for car crash that killed Laionie Kennard, 18, from Verwood A valid claim for the vehicle must be made before March 24 Documents required for a valid claim of entitlement include: If a seizure notice has been published and served in accordance with regulations and… b) A claim was made within the claim period but the seizure authority did not determine that the claimant was entitled or; c) A duty to return arose but has ceased in accordance with regulations …the seizure authority may immediately dispose of the vehicle Click here for more crime news from your New Stour & Avon. Follow us on Facebook Subscribe to the Newsletter The New Blackmore Vale Magazine Salisbury &Avon Magazine The Purbeck Gazette beta This is a new service – your feedback will help us to improve it “Extended Access” has been introduced for library users in Verwood Library Membership allows entry outside normal opening hours and access to most services beyond staffed hours This is the first Dorset library to benefit from the new technology use the free wi-fi and computers as well as hire rooms for community events Mondays to Saturdays This is in addition to the library’s usual staffed opening times attended by local Councillors and library users who were given a demonstration of how the new system works and a chance to have their library cards activated There has been positive feedback and enthusiastic responses from library members who have already accessed the service in Verwood Library "This is a fantastic resource for the town “I usually work from home and Extended Access means I can use the library from early until late when it suits me “The introduction was easy to do online and answered all my questions I really like the quietness of the library in early evenings and it’s very convenient to use the free wi-fi and computers there.” Any Verwood Library member over the age of 16 can upgrade to Extended Access membership which will allow them to enter the library using their membership card outside of normal opening hours and use library facilities when staff are not present.  Culture and Community Engagement at Dorset Council “We are delighted to bring this new technology to Verwood Library the first library in Dorset to benefit from this system of operating “This is a big step forward in our commitment to enhancing library access and services and we know the residents will benefit significantly from this expansion of opening times.” The investment in Verwood Library is funded by Arts Council England and is part of a broader project to introduce "Extended Access" at four Dorset library sites: Verwood Find out more on our website:  Extended Access at Dorset Council Libraries - Dorset Council Verwood is to have its own local business awards following expansion by Marketing West The Verwood Business Awards will have a launch event at the Verwood Hub on January 8th 2025 They will be sister awards to other local ones run by the same company, including the Ringwood Business Awards, Ferndown Business Awards, and Wimborne Business Awards There are 12 categories which are free to enter which can either be by nomination or entering your own business Owner Nigel Reeves said: “Participating in the Verwood Business Awards nomination process is a straightforward yet significant step towards recognising business excellence and innovation in the area “Whether you are a business owner or a local resident “They are judged by a group of independent judges The process is entirely online and the judges do not know who the other judges are They receive a brief and a copy of the entries and recommendations plus a voting spreadsheet “They vote in each category for their first choice They return the spreadsheet which is fed into the master sheet which tells us who are the winners.” See more details here You have successfully joined our subscriber list Get real time updates directly on you device Roy is CEO of Bournemouth One and one of our journalists working around Bournemouth Verwood Road in Ringwood is closed both ways due to a fire between Ebblake and A31 This incident was first reported on Bournemouth One on Monday afternoon (31/03/2025 3:48pm) You can hear more traffic and travel news this afternoon on the radio via DAB across Dorset or just say “Play Bournemouth One” to your smart device to listen now And if you can update us with any traffic information Don’t forget we send all traffic alerts to our social channels including on X and Facebook where you can follow us and keep up-to-date each day Andrea is Bournemouth One's freelance reporter letting us know about all the relevant stories from around the area VERWOOD man Shane Chapman admitted two charges of assault and theft in connection with an ‘illegal hunting incident’ in West Dorset has been handed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) on Friday (February 21) after admitting the charges when he appeared before magistrates in Poole last year The Dorset Police Rural Crime Team launched an investigation after reports of assault and theft during a hunting incident on September 26 assaulted one victim and stole the property of another He pleaded guilty to two charges of assault and theft during a hearing at Poole Magistrates’ Court on July 19 READ MORE: Crime news from your Salisbury & Avon Gazette said: “We will continue to take proactive action to prevent and deter rural crime and protect our communities “I would like to reserve special thanks for the Dorset Council Anti-Social Behaviour Team who have worked in partnership with us on this case so that Chapman could be brought before the courts to be held accountable for his actions I would urge members of the public to please contact the police if Chapman is seen to breach the terms of his order so that the matter can be investigated.” Follow us on Facebook The New Stour & Avon Magazine JOSEPH Henry Lydon Pickett was handed a 10-month sentence killing 18-year-old Laionie Kennard from Verwood Pickett was driving a blue BMW 1 Series at around 9.30pm on September 16 when he crashed into trees after failing to negotiate a bend in the road Laionie – who was one of three passengers – was pronounced dead at the scene admitted a charge of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday He was also disqualified from driving for two years with an extended retest and must complete 250 hours of unpaid work READ MORE: Man charged after crash that killed Laionie Kennard, 18, from Verwood READ MORE: Family of Laionie Kennard, 18, pay tribute after crash tragedy The Serious Collision Investigation Team (SCIT) indicated Pickett was believed to be driving at between 43mph and 54mph on the 30mph road as he entered the bend prior to the collision said: “Our thoughts are absolutely with Laionie’s family and loved ones and nothing will ever make up for their tragic loss “This case must serve as another harrowing reminder of the truly devastating consequences that can result from driving without due care and at excessive speed particularly at night when you have passengers in your vehicle “I can only hope that this awful incident makes others stop and think before they get behind the wheel and reminds them of the vital importance of driving in a safe and considerate manner.” Laionie’s family released a moving tribute to their daughter last year following her tragic death “Laionie was our princess,” her family said caring daughter and sister we could ever have wished for I cannot explain in words just how much she is going to be missed “We would like to thank everyone for their kind and generous donations at this unbelievably hard time our girl will have the send off she deserves “We will love you forever the brightest star in the sky Click here for more crime news from your News Stour & Avon. Win HappyPremiumSearch Rayogreatest hitsdorsetnewsVerwood Library members given 'extended access'It's the first Dorset Council library to offer the out-of-hours services Verwood Library's become the first run by Dorset Council to offer 'extended access' for members That gives customers entry outside of normal opening hours and access to services like borrowing books or hiring rooms for community events - on top of staffed times Members have already been praising the longer access to services "This is a fantastic resource for the town meet people and pop in when I'm passing Any Verwood Library member over the age of 16 can upgrade to Extended Access membership which will allow them to enter the library using their membership card outside of normal opening hours and use library facilities when staff are not present Culture and Community Engagement at Dorset Council said: The changes at Verwood Library have been funded by Arts Council England with extended access also planned for Sturminster Newton Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app. Company number 01176085; Bauer Radio Limited Company number: 1394141Registered office: Media House Peterborough PE2 6EA and H Bauer Publishing Company number: LP003328; Registered office: The Lantern London NW1 2PL All registered in England and Wales VAT no 918 5617 01H Bauer Publishing are authorised and regulated for credit broking by the FCA (Ref No: 845898) Senior Dorset Council members visited Pennyfarthing Homes’ new developments Oakwood Grove and Potters Wood to see the government’s First Homes scheme in action The initiative helps first-time buyers—especially key workers and local residents—purchase homes at a 30% discount with the savings preserved for future buyers Pennyfarthing Homes has already delivered 31 First Homes and plans 83 more Managing Director Matt Dukes highlighted the company’s commitment to supporting local buyers Cllr Gill Taylor emphasized the scheme’s role in making homeownership more accessible and strengthening the local economy Pennyfarthing Homes has also made a donation to cover the maintenance of Alderholt’s four Defibtech Lifeline View AED Semi-Automatic Defibrillator for the next three years Sales and Marketing Director at Pennyfarthing Homes Construction Director at Pennyfarthing Homes Customer Care Director at Pennyfarthing Homes) The Alderholt Coordinator for the Defibrillators and Jonathan Hayward We use some essential cookies to make this website work We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK remember your settings and improve government services We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports The Environment Agency is leading an investigation into a possible illegal waste site in Dorset and is appealing for help from the public to report suspicious activity Dorset Police’s rural crime team and Dorset Council’s planning enforcement visited a site close to Verwood last week to gather evidence and intelligence of potential illegal waste activity taking place at the site meaning pollutants have been emitted into the environment Those responsible have been profiting by avoiding using a regulated site where waste could be recycled or taken on to an appropriate waste facility while possibly charging people to take waste away from their homes The Environment Agency will now continue to investigate and has appealed to the community to get in touch if they see anything suspicious in the area area environment manager at the Environment Agency said: We’ve seen a rise in organised waste crime and illegal waste operations in rural communities across Dorset and have been working with other partners to identify gather evidence and intelligence to allow us to take further enforcement action against those operating illegally This operation is just part of our efforts to tackle waste crime to make Dorset a hostile environment for organised crime groups to operate We are working together to deter these types of crime and this should be a warning to those intent on flouting the law that we’re on to you Running illegal tips increases the likelihood of damage to the environment wildlife or human health due to toxic chemicals that are untreated when disposed of We recently consulted with partners on a refresh of our Police and Crime Plan and as a result to reflect that it is a far greater concern for Dorset residents now I am fully aware of the large impact it has and especially on our rural communities which is why operations like the one carried out this week by the Environment Agency are crucial to make organised waste crime groups aware that their behaviour will not be tolerated in this county Tougher penalties will act as a stronger deterrent and I will continue to lobby government to introduce stricter punishments that the police can enforce My office and Dorset Police will also continue to strengthen links with partner agencies to enhance data sharing Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details beta This is a new service – your feedback will help us to improve it New housing developments at three different locations across Dorset providing almost 50 affordable homes and homes for first time buyers The sites in both East and South Dorset will collectively provide 19 homes for First Time buyers and key workers in Verwood as part of a Community Land Trust (CLT) project Dorset Council helped to develop these schemes with several partnerships to support home ownership and affordable homes for local people the council worked alongside Pennyfarthing Homes which is the first housebuilder to provide First Homes in the Dorset Council area The homes are sold at 30% of their full market value with the discount being passed on to future buyers when the property is sold on again Dorset Council provided a Community Housing grant for the first Community Land Trust scheme in the area supported Portland CLT with East Borough Housing Trust (part of the Aster Group) managing the development Dorset Council worked with the housing association to provide social rent homes on a redeveloped brownfield site in the town Cabinet Member for Health and Housing said: “These schemes represent what can be achieved and what we would like to replicate on a larger scale so more local residents can access affordable housing “All of these developments bring something unique to these areas providing homes and security for people who live and work in these communities.” Potters Wood in Verwood will be occupied from January 2025 With public spaces and areas to walk and cycle both the exterior and interior have been carefully considered as the new homes will feature contemporary interiors designed around modern family lifestyles Local first-time buyers and key workers with a household income of no more than £80,000.   The Community Land Trust development has been built on Portland’s former Southwell Primary School site off Sweet Hill Lane It has been built with Portland Stone quarried on the island by a local workforce With energy-efficient design and technologies customers living in these homes will also benefit from lower energy bills Preference for these homes will be given to people with a local connection residents have already moved into one of the 18 which can provide a home for up to four people Pennyfarthing Homes launches heavily discounted homes at popular Potters Wood development | Quality New Homes For Sale by Pennyfarthing Homes Portland CLT scheme goes ahead  New social rent homes in Weymouth set for completion | SNG Categories: Assets, Estates and Property Weymouth Housing Services One person has been taken to hospital after a car collided with a telegraph pole in Verwood on Thursday afternoon The incident happened on the corner of Ringwood Road and Sherwood Drive with Police and Ambulance services called to the scene The road was blocked for a short time around 2.30pm A spokesperson for the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) said: “We were called at 14:14hrs on Thursday 6 February to a road traffic collision in Verwood “We sent a double-crewed land ambulance to the scene and we conveyed one patient by land ambulance to Poole Hospital.” Dorset Police confirmed at the time that a telegraph pole was down following a collision involving a car They told Bournemouth One: “We received a report at 2.17pm on Thursday 6 February 2025 of a road traffic collision on Ringwood Road in Verwood “It was reported that a vehicle had collided with a lamppost “Officers are currently in attendance.” A 21-year-old man from Verwood was taken to hospital with serious injuries following a road traffic collision in Horton near Wimborne last night Dorset Police received a report at 6.27pm on Saturday 7 December 2024 of the incident on Cranborne Road (B3078) between the Horton Inn and Knowlton Church junction involving a blue Nissan Qashqai and a red Triumph Toledo The driver of the red Triumph Toledo has been taken to Southampton General Hospital for treatment whilst the driver and passengers of the blue Nissan sustained minor injuries said: “Officers are conducting a full investigation to establish the circumstances of the collision “We suspect that there may have been a third vehicle involved and we’re appealing for the driver to come forward to assist us with our enquiries “I would also ask any witnesses who were in the area at the time who may have seen what happened or have dashcam footage to contact us I would like to thank the public for their patience while emergency services were responding to the incident and carrying out an examination of the scene.” Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police via email at scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101 beta This is a new service – your feedback will help us to improve it Dorset Councillors recently toured two sites in East Dorset which will provide First Homes for local first-time buyers and essential workers The First Homes are part of Dorset Council’s First Homes Scheme which means the local authority sets the eligibility criteria and approves the applications The properties are sold at a minimum 30% discount off their full market value which remains in place for the property's lifetime and/or an essential worker such as a nurse or members of the armed forces and their families The household income should not exceed £80,000 who are a family run business based in Hampshire have worked closely with Dorset Council to provide 18 First Homes at Potters Wood in Verwood with a further seven apartments at Oakwood Grove in neighbouring Alderholt Touring both locations was the Cabinet Member for Health and Housing Interim Head of Housing. At the Verwood tour were Councillors Spencer Flower and Toni Coombs They enjoyed a preview of one of a set of First Homes to be completed at the Potters Wood site where there is a selection of one and two bedroom apartments or two and three bedroom houses This was followed by a visit to the Alderholt apartments which are being constructed and will include one and two bedroom apartments with a selection of ground floor properties Cabinet Member for Housing and Health said “It can be challenging to get on the property ladder in Dorset but First Homes give people the opportunity to do just that and to live Prioritising key workers and local residents at both these fantastic developments will help the local economy and retain skills along with the long-standing connections people have to the area The First Homes model complements other tenures of affordable housing and we are fully supportive of increasing the supply of all these tenures." who also participated in the tour said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Dorset Council to Oakwood Grove and Potters Wood We were thrilled to showcase the value of the First Homes scheme and the high quality of properties available to local first-time buyers As a business that remains firmly committed to the family values on which it was founded back in 1977 Pennyfarthing is delighted to be supporting so many local buyers to take that all-important first step onto the property ladder here in Dorset.” Both the houses and apartments at both sites will feature a combination of Air Source Heat Pumps and cylinders The red brickwork of the houses and grey weatherboarding of the apartments echo the architectural heritage of the local area while interiors have been designed to provide spacious open plan living with plenty of natural light For further information about affordable housing and the First Homes Scheme visit Affordable housing - Dorset Council For more information on Oakwood Grove, please call 01425 563 223, visit https://www.pennyfarthinghomes.co.uk/development/oakwood-grove-alderholt/ or email oakwoodgrove@pennyfarthinghomes.co.uk For more information on Potters Wood, please call 01202 403 144, visit https://www.pennyfarthinghomes.co.uk/development/potters-wood-verwood-dorset/ or email potterswood@pennyfarthinghomes.co.uk Fire crews were called to Moors Valley Country Park to deal with an incident in the forest, near Verwood Road on Monday Units from Verwood, Ferndown, Poole, Amesbury, Springbourne, Redhill Park, Shaftesbury, Westbourne, Christchurch Swanage and Bridport all attended a large fire which was first reported on Monday morning just before midday Verwood Road was closed for around three hours between Verwood and Ringwood to allow emergency services to deal with the fire Moors Valley was initially open during the incident but later announced the car park will be closed until further notice Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “There is currently an Amber wildfire alert in place for the Service area and we urge people to take extra care while enjoying our open spaces in the sunshine.” Photos: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service A MAN in his 20s from Wiltshire is due to appear in court after a woman died in a car crash in East Dorset last year A blue BMW 1 series sustained extensive damage when it left the carriageway at Hurn Road between Ringwood and Matchams at around 9.30pm on September 16 sustained serious injuries as a result of the crash and was sadly pronounced dead at the scene A man in his 20s from Wiltshire was arrested in connection with the crash and he has now been charged with causing death by careless/inconsiderate driving following an investigation by the roads policing unit READ MORE: Family of Laionie Kennard, 18, pay tribute after crash tragedy He is set to appear at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Friday Laionie’s family released a moving tribute to their daughter last year following her tragic death A fundraising effort launched after Laionie’s death reached almost £23,000 Click here for more crime news from your Salisbury and Avon Gazette. A 20-year-old driver who admitted causing the death of 18-year-old Laionie Kennard from Verwood has been given a suspended sentence Joseph Henry Lydon Pickett from Lyneham in Wiltshire, appeared at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 29 January 2025 to be sentenced after he admitted causing a fatal road traffic collision near Ringwood Pickett was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment suspended for 24 months He was also disqualified from driving for two years with an extended re-test and must complete 250 hours of unpaid work The charge related to a collision at around 9.30pm on Saturday 16 September 2023 on Hurn Road which resulted in the death of 18-year-old Laionie Kennard from Verwood Laionie was one of three passengers in a blue BMW 1 Series Emergency services attended and very sadly Laionie was pronounced dead at the scene An investigation by the Serious Collision Investigation Team (SCIT) indicated that Pickett was believed to be driving at between 43mph and 54mph on the 30mph road as he entered the bend prior to the collision Home   Sport   Article FIVE local sides featured in Wessex League midweek football with Fawley AFC’s desperate fight for league survival taking a massive boost and mostly positive results all around with Hythe & Dibden and Christchurch both sealing draws Fawley’s triumph moved them within two points of Wessex League Division One safety after taking a remarkable 14 points from their last seven games in a stretch that has seen them lose once while winning four games and drawing two with the goals coming from midfield dynamo James Clifton stalwart captain Dec Hartigan and Zac Willis who came off the bench to grab the third goal “I was far from happy with our first-half performance” I feel that a red card for both teams just before half-time worked in our favour more than theirs He added: “We started the second half much better We should have scored more in the second half but I think Saturday took a lot out of the lads and we now rest up and turn our focus to Saturday at home to Newport.” Ringwood Town won and took the New Forest bragging rights defeating their neighbours comprehensively with a four-goal margin that confirmed bottom place and relegation from Wessex League Division One for Verwood Town The win leaves Fran Mathers’ in-form Ringwood Town team two points off snatching the final promotion play-off place after suffering just one loss in the last nine games Lee Vint – who took his tally to 31 goals in 36 games – scored a brace while long-time Ringwood Town servant Ben Harris and Matt Steer scored the other two “We knew Verwood would be up for the game” there wasn’t too much between the sides in the first half and Steer sealed the points for a comfortable win in the end and I genuinely hope there’s a way of preserving their Wessex League status The league is stronger with decent clubs like Verwood in it The progress we’ve made this season is stunning.” In front of 97 fans at the Hythe Garage Stadium Hythe & Dibden took the lead after just 11 minutes when Ollie Davies finished calmly at the back post to tuck the ball past oncoming goalkeeper Roux Hardcastle a poor challenge on Jason Parish left the referee with no other option than to point at the spot Parish dusted himself off and provided a cool finish into the bottom left corner Louis Thompson almost sealed a Hythe win with eight minutes left but Hardcastle’s quick response denied him and although Baffins pilled on the pressure late on “The lads were excellent and really committed to the game plan and showed the quality we have in the squad “It was a good finish from Ollie Davies to get us the lead but then we were pegged back when they scored a penalty but their keeper pulled off a great save to stop the shot from Louie Thompson.” Christchurch came from behind to lead against Sherborne Town but a late goal left the two sides sharing the Wessex League Premier Division spoils The Zebras took the lead through a towering header from Sam Farthing after 10 minutes but Joe Freak and Jamie Webber scored either side of half-time to make it 2-1 Ant Herrin found a way past Ben Rodwell in the 82nd minute Hythe & Dibden took a decent point at home against Baffins Milton Rovers who slipped out of the promotion play-off places after failing to win Planning approval has been granted for 38 new homes as part of Pennyfarthing Homes’ Potters Wood development in Verwood The decision represents the third and final phase of the current project and will bring the total number of homes up on the scheme to 268 Pennyfarthing says 19 units will be designated as affordable ‘First Homes’ designed to support local first-time buyers and key workers in the area The affordable units will consist of two and three-bedroom houses The remaining 19 open market homes will offer a variety of options for customers including two-and three-bedroom bungalows and three-bedroom houses The new phase is situated on a four-acre greenfield site and will feature an open space providing residents with accessible recreational areas and landscaped grounds The development benefits from its proximity to an existing Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) and a recently refurbished council-owned playground which was funded by Pennyfarthing Homes. Matt Dukes, Managing Director of Pennyfarthing Homes, comments: “Potters Wood has been a major success, proving highly popular with local home-movers and people wanting to move closer to the New Forest. We are proud to see it come to full fruition with planning approval for this final phase of 38 new homes. “By making half of those homes available on an affordable basis we are once again reinforcing our commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible housing for the Verwood community. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this final phase of the development will have on local residents and the broader area.” Construction of the final phase is set to begin later this year, with the first homes expected to be available by January 2025. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. Get real time updates directly on you device, subscribe now. Roy is CEO of Bournemouth One and one of our journalists working around Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Email roy@bournemouthone.com. A large blaze at a landfill site near Verwood in Dorset took more than 40 firefighters to bring it under control including crews from Swanage and Wareham. The significant incident which started just after 9 pm on Monday 30th September 2024, was attended overnight by fire stations from across Dorset and Hampshire. More of an incinerator than landfill site as the rubbish burns The firefighters had to take care due to the toxic fumes The crew from Verwood Fire Station was first on the scene and quickly requested more resources to help tackle the fire in the hazardous environment. Firefighters from Wareham Fire Station were called out at 10.20 pm while the waste from the recycling centre continued to burn. Swanage firefighters then got the call just after 1 am on Tuesday 1st October 2024 to take over from crews that had been working into the night to extinguish the fire. The incident was scaled back at 2 am but some firefighters including those from Swanage remained to keep a check on the smouldering rubbish overnight. A water supply was pumped from the nearby entrance to the Ebblake Industrial Estate The smelly remains of the smouldering rubbish “Our off road appliance along with one crew was alerted to go to the recycling centre near Verwood for relief duties to a large incident. “We were there for several hours, turning over and damping down before handing over to fresh crews. “It’s not everyday you get to see the sunrise while standing on a pile of rubbish. Who said the life of an on-call firefighter isn’t glamorous!” Change of scenery for the Swanage crew, more used to heathland than wasteland! Big diggers were used to turn over the rubbish in an effort to extinguish the flames We like to keep everything up-to-date, so if you know more, please help us by getting in touch FIREFIGHTERS battled through the night to bring a blaze at a landfill site under control – which may have affected water pressure in nearby homes Wimborne and Salisbury were called to a “significant” fire at the Onyx Landfill Site there were approximately 40 firefighters working to contain the fire,” a spokesperson from Poole Fire Station said And they said households may have noticed a fall in water pressure this morning due to the mammoth effort to put the fire out you may have noticed a reduction in mains water pressure this is likely because we set up a high volume pumping system to supply water to the fire ground,” they added “You will see this equipment at the entrance to the Ebblake industrial estate and along the B2081.” Firefighters battled the blaze at a recycling centre through the night Credit: Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and RescueFire crews are currently tackling a large blaze in heathland near Verwood Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue says its teams are dealing with the fire "We were called at 5.50am (1 July) after a fire was discovered in the undergrowth." "This is a large and well-developed fire in an area where access is difficult due to the density of the foliage." "It looks as though the fire may have been burning for some time before it broke through to become visible but there’s no identified cause as yet; an investigation will start once the fire is under control." Members of the public are being urged to avoid the area "There are lots of vehicle movements on the main access track so please avoid the area so firefighters can work safely."The area affected is approx 1.3 hectares Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue says good progress is being made in containing and extinguishing the fire Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.. beta This is a new service – your feedback will help us to improve it and contractors recently came together as Dorset Council officially opened a brand-new play area on Eastworth Road in Verwood Funded by contributions from Penny Farthing Homes – the developer of the nearby housing estate - the refurbished play area provides a space for the community to relax and engage with nature The aim of the project was to create a safe and fun environment for the whole community to enjoy Dorset Council’s Planning and Natural Environment teams came up with the concept and took it to community for public engagement The area design and equipment choice were based on feedback received from the community and the design was produced by the Council’s Landscape Architects On the existing site surrounded by mature oak trees and hedges we reinstated play area with new largely accessible and exciting playground equipment bicycle stands and buggy/mobility equipment parking Landscaping and Greenspace teams carried out construction of the park Arboriculture and Grounds teams to ensure the natural wildlife and environment was well looked after throughout The Council’s Landscaping and Greenspace teams installed the equipment while the Waste Services team helped with installing new bins for the area Sherman Fencing provided and installed playground fencing while PlaySmart UK provided and installed playground safety surfacing Kompan Playground Equipment assisted with design and supplied the playground equipment “I’m proud to open this play area for the local community and I’m looking forward to seeing Verwood residents of all ages enjoy the new facilities “I’d like to thank everyone involved for their hard work in making it happen I’d also like to thank my fellow councillors Spencer Flower and Ray Bryan – all of whom have been strong supporters of this project from the beginning.” Ringwood Town preserved their eighth-place position with a hard-fought but deserved home win over Verwood Town on Saturday Verwood Town took an early lead before both sides dragged themselves level but a late goal with seven minutes left won it for Ringwood Town The New Forest side have been in excellent form lately especially given we rattled the post and upright said Ringwood Town manager Fran Mathers.” Lee [Vint] was on fire given how many senior players we were missing.” Mathers and his management team brought in multiple development and U18 players with Yates providing an assist in his first Wessex League start and hitting the post while Gollings made an impact off the bench and also hitting the woodwork Mathers added: “There was a lot riding on the result for both clubs I must add that I felt the character and passion shown by some of the Verwood players were exemplary “What moment for our youngsters to step into and deliver though – I couldn’t be prouder of the progress we’re making as a senior section overall.” Ringwood Town will be back in action away from home on Saturday against 13th-placed Amesbury Town “We’re looking forward to what will be a tougher test against Amesbury,” concluded Mathers and we’re hoping to kick on from a really morale-boosting win “It’s a tricky time of year for clubs with injury but we’re coping well and reaping the rewards of all the work behind the scenes.” Adam Brazier put Verwood in the lead after 13 minutes but Vint levelled on the half-hour mark after a lovely ball in behind by Jesse Rabin Vint took a delightful cushioned touch before slamming the ball past the helpless keeper Ringwood took the lead moments before the break when Yates fed Vint on the edge of the area beating his man before getting his shot off as the defender dived in It looked as though Verwood had ensured a share of the points with Ted Bignell’s 78th-minute goal who slowed the game down before jinking past his man and firing in at the near post from a tight angle to seal all three points