Author: stourpaine.info

Dogs in Public Places

Dorset residents, visitors and businesses are being invited to share their views on the rules for dogs in public spaces, including beaches and green spaces.

Dorset Council has launched a consultation on a proposed Dog-related Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). A PSPO is a legal tool councils can use to help keep public places safe and enjoyable for everyone by setting clear rules on things like dog fouling, where dogs can go, and when they need to be on a lead. The current dog PSPO has been in place since January 2024 and is due to expire at the end of this year. The new order would come into force on 1 January 2027 and remain in place for three years. The consultation gives people the chance to comment on: Where dogs should or should not be allowed Seasonal or time‑limited restrictions, including on beaches Lead length and when dogs should be kept on a lead.

The aim is to balance responsible dog walking with protecting places used by children, families and people taking part in activities such as sports. Dog fouling is not only unpleasant but can also pose health risks.

Cllr Matt Bell, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Prevention & Communities said:

Most dog owners in Dorset are responsible and take pride in looking after the places they enjoy. This consultation is about making sure our shared spaces work well for everyone, dog owners, families, residents and visitors.

“We want to hear from as many people as possible so we can get the balance right and put fair, clear rules in place that protect public health while still supporting responsible dog walking.”

The consultation is open until 7 August and is available online at https://consultation.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/c-e/dog-related-pspo

Paper copies will also be available in Dorset libraries or on request by calling 01305 221000 The final recommendations will be considered by Dorset Council’s Place and Resources Overview Committee and Cabinet later this year.

The Rude Mechanicals – The Wife

The Rude Mechanical Theatre Company will be returning to Stourpaine this summer with our new production, The Wife.

They’ll be playing at Stourpaine Village Hall Field on Friday 4th July.
The Wife is a lively, musical retelling inspired by Chaucer’s Wife of Bath, full of bold storytelling, live music, humour and poetry. As ever, they’ll be performing outdoors and bringing their travelling stage back to the village.

Tickets from therudes.co.uk and for timings: here, Stourpaine – 7:30 p.m. with BYO camp picnic from 6 p.m.

Fire Station Closure Consultation

Public consultation continues into proposed fire station closures

The ongoing public consultation into the potential closure of eight fire stations by Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service will run until Friday 15 May.

The eight locations under consultation are all on-call fire stations: Bradford on Avon, Charmouth, Cranborne, Hamworthy, Maiden Newton, Mere, Ramsbury and Wilton.

Chief Fire Officer Andy Cole said: “Nobody wants to close fire stations but, despite saving over £15 million in the last ten years, our financial position remains very challenging due to a 19.5% cut in funding provided directly from Government. We still need to make sure our operational staff have the equipment and training they need to stay safe, and we’ve pared back our Corporate staff numbers as much as possible. This isn’t Plan A, we’ve worked through many difficult options before this point.”

He added: “The elected Members of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority are responsible for keeping the Service sustainable, and they recognise that tough decisions need to be considered.

“This consultation is therefore essential. We understand that people care about what this means for their community. That is why we want them to tell us what they think, and if there’s anything important that we might have missed. No decisions have been made. The final decision will be made by the Fire & Rescue Authority at their meeting on 30 June. We would urge our residents to have their say via our survey or the upcoming online meetings.”

In-person meetings have been held already in six of the eight locations, with further dates booked for Charmouth and Maiden Newton in April. There will also be an online meeting for each location during April.

Full details of these, FAQs, station-specific data, the consultation leaflet and the survey can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/proposed-station-closures

A paper copy of the survey can be requested by calling 01722 691000 during office hours, or by emailing consultation@dwfire.org.uk

Cancelled April Parish Council Meeting

There will not be a Parish Council Meeting for April 2025.

Our next meeting will be the Annual Parish Meeting on Tuesday 13th May 2025, 7pm in the Village Hall.

All are welcome. Drinks and nibbles after the meeting. Hope to see you there.

Jan O’Connell
Stourpaine Parish Clerk

Stourpaine Wellness Walk-in Clinic – Tue 25 March 2025

Join us on Tuesday 25 March 2025 for our “One Stop Shop” Walk-in Wellness Clinic in the Stourpaine Village Hall.
You will be able to engage with lots of services but note the Post Office Outreach and Warm Hub is relocated to the Pavilion for this one event.

You will be able to speak to the Blandford Group Practice Wellbeing Team.

We also offer Blood Pressure checks.

Tea/Coffee will be available.

Wellness-Clinics-2025Download

Fond Farewells

Stourpaine Village Hall Royal Mail Postmistress departure

Attendees at the Stourpaine Village Hall Warm Hub present Jane Matthews with a farewell gift and their thanks for her valuable contributions and assistance in her time here as the Royal Mail Outreach Postmistress.

Retiring but not forgotten.