Archive

  • £2.8 million deal for hi-tech council base

    PLANS for a customer contact centre have moved a stage closer after a leading IT services company signed a £2.8 million contract with Dorset County Council. Steria now has the green light to set up and manage the £5 million centre - Dorset Direct. But

  • It's time we moved to proportional representation

    Now that the dust has settled after the local elections it might be useful to look more closely at the results. Whilst the Conservative won 7 seats with 37.6% (6247 votes) of the total, the Liberal Democrats with 27.7% (4590 votes) gained 3 seats

  • Quick brown fox is no match for this rapid rabbit

    KEEN photographer David Mayo, 73, was walking on Asker Meadows in Bridport trying out his new digital camera on a group of grazing rabbits when a dust storm caught his eye. He turned around, still shooting, with the camera and saw a hungry fox catch

  • Angry workers in protest over funding cuts

    ANGRY workers protested outside the UK Atomic Energy Authority site at Winfrith over funding cuts. They fear more than 100 jobs will be lost if £85 million annual funding for Winfrith and Oxfordshire sister site Harwell for 2007-2008 is cut to just

  • Mum fears for son over funding cuts

    A MUM fears her son will be left struggling once extra support he receives is withdrawn. Ben Gilbert currently receives 20 hours of extra support from staff at his village first school. But after the half-term holiday the help will disappear because

  • Pupils shout no to bullying – from the heart

    CHILDREN from St Nicholas and St Laurence Primary School in Weymouth sent out a clear message that they are standing up against bullying. About 220 students, the whole school apart from Year 6 who were away, came together to create a giant heart shape

  • Frustration at rail services

    RAIL campaigners have blasted a train company for not meeting passenger needs. There were high hopes when a leading transport company took over the rail franchise which includes the Weymouth to Bristol line. It was thought a big player like First Great

  • Town is set for festival fever

    THE new Weymouth Sea Festival is among the highlights of the bank holiday weekend in Weymouth and Portland. The Trawler Race and Waterfest have been merged to form the new extravaganza on Weymouth harbourside taking place tomorrow and Monday. It also

  • Schools team up for glitzy leavers’ ball

    HUNDREDS of students said farewell to their schooldays with a glittering leavers' ball. Sir John Colfox School in Bridport joined with Beaminster School for the bash at Kingston Maurward in Dorchester. And more than 200 teenagers packed the country

  • Warning issued to harbour jumpers

    YOUNG people looking to cool off in Weymouth Harbour are dicing with death, police and council officials warned today. Pier jumpers are not only playing a dangerous game but they are also breaking the law. The harbour and piers have become a popular

  • Billing chaos at British Gas

    BRITISH Gas's second cut in charges this year has tempted a million customers to return. But that has not stopped complaints pouring in about inaccurate billing, delayed refunds and dismal service from the company. The energy giant has cut electricity

  • Up, up and away for George, 69

    SUPER-PENSIONER George Lawson is set to 'fly' across Weymouth Harbour dressed as a witch when he becomes the oldest competitor in the town's intrepid birdman contest. Mr Lawson, 69, of Dorchester Road, will be taking part in the event during Bank Holiday

  • Bridport’s Tweddle gets call for Dorset

    BRIDPORT skipper Paul Tweddle has been called up for his Dorset one-day debut against Berkshire at Dean Park on Monday (11am). The wicketkeeper-batsman replaces experienced Tim Lamb, who was behind the stumps during Dorset's four-wicket defeat against

  • Stylists’ chance to let their hair down

    STYLISTS put their most weird and wonderful creations to the test in a hairdressing competition. Snippy students at Weymouth College rose to the challenge of the annual event and - with the help of some patient models - showcased a range of bold designs

  • Skivo ready to lead Wembley glory bid

    Coca-Cola League One Play-off final YEOVIL TOWN v BLACKPOOL CLUB captain Terry Skiverton is winning his fitness battle and is expected to lead the Glovers out at Wembley tomorrow. The former Chelsea trainee, who missed the two legs against Nottingham

  • Final bored me to tears

    THE Football Association got what they wanted but it did not quite rise to the occasion did it? I am talking about the first FA Cup Final at the new £757 million Wembley Stadium of course between the so-called top two sides in English football and what

  • BACK ON SONG

    Conference League WEYMOUTH DOONAN WILDCATS 51 STOKE SPITFIRES 40 WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats skipper David Mason hailed last night's fine win over the Spitfires at the Wessex Stadium as a "great all-round team performance" and then admitted he feels back

  • Former councillor in line for honour

    BOROUGH councillors have paid tribute to a former long-serving colleague by proposing that he be elected honorary alderman. Councillor Kate Wheller put forward Andy Hutchings for the rare honour at the annual meeting of Weymouth and Portland Borough