Dorset weekly round-up: 6 April -12 April 2024

A story about three juvenile sea turtles that became victims of storms was among our most read stories this week in Dorset.

A variety of local issues featured on the BBC News website, BBC Radio Solent and South Today.

We have picked five stories to keep you up to date.

Fire crews have put out a sixth fire in four days on heathland in the county.

The fire service said over 30 calls about the fire on Higher Blandford Road near Corfe Hills School in Poole came in on Tuesday shortly after 19:30 BST.

Ten crews and a water carrier were sent to the fire which destroyed two hectares (five acres) of heathland.

It follows five fires that were started deliberately on heathland in Poole and Bournemouth the previous Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

A workshop that helps men to combat loneliness has been served with an eviction notice.

Wareham Men's Shed, which is run out of The Purbeck Centre, was handed the three-month notice by Care Dorset - facing closure if it could not find another premises.

But building owners Care Dorset told the BBC the notice "should not have been given when it was".

It said it had paused proceedings, pending further conversations.

Dorset Council has launched a private company to supply itself with temporary workers.

It is the sixth local authority to set up an agency with Commercial Services Group (CSG), a firm owned by Kent County Council.

The joint venture, named Connect2 Dorset, will provide staff in areas such as waste collection and care.

The partners said it would fill vacancies "in a more sustainable and cost-effective way".

Three juvenile loggerhead turtles have washed up on beaches in southern England over the course of a week.

Recent storms and rough seas probably pushed them off course, the British Divers Marine Life Rescue charity said.

Turtles found at Kimmeridge, Dorset, and Milendreath, Cornwall, on Tuesday were rescued by wildlife experts but have since died, the organisation said.

Another turtle is likely to have died after being returned to the sea at Lydd, Kent, the charity added.

A historical building which has been empty for more than a decade is to be brought back into use.

The Clipper pub in Weymouth shut down in 2013 following the collapse of the Bramwell Pub Group.

The 18th Century Grade II listed building in St Thomas Street is now set to be restored.

The pair of houses, which once served as a rectory for St Mary's Church, have been bought by commercial lettings company DJ Property.

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