Cllr Andy Todd - Colehill & Wimborne Minster East

11/06/2026

Julian’s Bridge Trial Ending Early

The Julian’s Bridge trial in Wimborne will end early, with full two-way traffic resuming on Thursday 18 June.

A robust body of evidence will have been collected, including extensive traffic monitoring and nearly 3,000 survey responses, alongside observations from peak and festival conditions.

We have listened carefully to the feedback from residents, businesses and road users throughout the trial and on balance, it is agreed that it would be inappropriate to continue the trial in its current form given the level of disruption experienced, and the focus will now be on analysing the evidence to inform next steps."

04/06/2026

Road Closure - Lonnen Road

This won't come as a surprise to anyone who lives here, particularly given the depth of the enormous hole, but Lonnen Road has been closed at the Pilford Lane end to allow South West Water to carry out emergency repairs to a burst water main.

Apparently, it is expected to be completed by the 12th June, although they have booked it in for 21 days "just in case".

For further information about the work being undertaken and access arrangements, call South West Water on 03443
462020. To discuss this Notice, contact Dorset Council on 01305 221020 or use our website:
www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/roadworks/enquiries

03/06/2026

Road Adoption - Partial Lonsdale Road

The first stage (coloured Pink) of the adoption of Lonsdale Road has been completed, and I have received a copy of the Final Adoption Certificate.

Officers assure me that this is the first section, that work continues on the other areas, but that they can't give me an exact date as to when the next stage will be signed off.

28/05/2026

Maritime Reserves Accreditation

New accreditation opportunities are now available for personnel in the Maritime Reserves, recognising the high-quality skills, training, and experience developed through service.

Delivered through the Defence Academy, this initiative strengthens the link between military training and nationally recognised qualifications, supporting both professional development and wider career opportunities.

As defence continues to invest in its people, accreditation plays a key role in ensuring that the expertise gained in service is recognised, transferable, and valued.

Read more:

The Royal Naval Division (RND) has secured new external accreditation for the Intermediate Command and Staff Course (Maritime) (ICSC(M)).

21/05/2026

Julian's Bridge Trial

The Royal Tank Regiment has an unofficial motto dating from the first world war, "Through mud and blood to the green fields beyond".

This trial on Julian's Bridge will not be popular, it will be inconvenient, but it is expected to prove that traffic lights are not a viable solution for this Grade 1 listed bridge, and thus justify spending the public's money building a separate pedestrian crossing.

"Trust the process." It will be worth it in the end!

Julian’s Bridge footway trial starts next week – temporary daytime closure on Tuesday.

A reminder that the temporary footway and traffic signal trial at Julian’s Bridge in Wimborne will start on Tuesday 26 May and will run until Friday 3 July.

To safely install the temporary traffic lights and barriers, the bridge will be closed to motor vehicles on Tuesday 26 May between 9.30am and 3.30pm. Pedestrians will still be able to cross, and cyclists can use the bridge by pushing their bikes, although there may be short waits while work takes place.

Once the set‑up is complete, the bridge will reopen to vehicles and the six‑week trial will begin.

Julian’s Bridge is a historic Grade I listed bridge with a narrow carriageway, meaning people on foot currently have to share the road with traffic at busy times. The trial will test whether signal‑controlled, one‑way traffic can create space for a dedicated pedestrian footway, making it safer and easier to cross while keeping traffic moving.

This is a trial only, designed to gather evidence and understand the impact on residents, businesses and road users before any future decisions are considered.

To share your views, a survey will be available online from Tuesday 26 May. Paper copies will be available at Wimborne and Corfe Mullen Libraries.

Find out more, and take part in the survey from Tuesday, by following the link in the first comment below.

19/05/2026

St Catherine's / Woodland School Site

I know several residents have raised concerns about parking linked to the works at the former St Catherine's site, particularly around Hayeswood School and Ashmeads Close, and I've raised these directly with the contractor.

They've responded positively and are working to improve things by reminding staff to park considerately and suggesting that neighbours inform them by telephone (01489 557700) or email ([email protected]) if they have safety concerns regarding parked vehicles, and they will address them immediately.

If you would like me to do it on your behalf, then please get in touch by email at [email protected]

19/05/2026

Paget Close Disruption

I know residents have already been inconvenienced by the works being undertaken by Openreach, so I wanted to provide an update.

Earlier this afternoon, Openreach informed the council’s Highways Department that their contractor will need to continue work tomorrow (20th).

This work was unexpected, and the extension even more so.

I have asked Highways to speak directly with the contractor and make clear that access for residents must be properly maintained at all times. Given that this is now the second occasion that residents in this small Close have been affected, I have also stressed that the current standard of communication and management is simply not good enough.

I will be visiting the site during the day tomorrow. In the meantime, if residents experience any problems accessing their properties or any other issues caused by the works, please let me know, ideally with photographs, as these are helpful when raising matters formally with the contractor.I know residents have already been inconvenienced by these works, so I wanted to provide an update.

12/05/2026

Helping People Retain Their Independence

Dorset Council has begun work on Dorset’s first comprehensive Supported Housing Strategy, an important step in planning how we support some of the most vulnerable people in our communities over the coming years.

The strategy will look at the housing and support needs of residents who may require extra help to live independently, including older residents, people with disabilities, those recovering from mental health challenges, young care leavers, people at risk of homelessness, and victims of domestic abuse.

Importantly, this is about ensuring the right support is available at the right time, helping people maintain independence, preventing crises before they happen, and reducing pressure on emergency and social care services.

The work will assess both current and future need across Dorset and will involve partnership working with housing providers, health and care services, charities and community organisations. It will also help ensure future housing provision is planned sensibly and sustainably.

Good housing is about far more than bricks and mortar. Safe, suitable and supportive homes play a major role in health, wellbeing, dignity and community stability, particularly as Dorset’s population continues to age.

You can read more here: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/news/working-together-to-produce-a-supported-housing-strategy-for-dorset

01/05/2026

You may have seen the recent Bridport News coverage regarding complaints about Dorset Council’s use of AI technology, in which I was quoted.

I want to underline a concern I raised there. While I understand the drive to modernise services, we must be very careful not to create barriers for residents who are not online or who lack confidence using digital systems. For some, these changes risk making it harder, not easier, to get the help they need.

I firmly believe that good public services should work for everyone. That includes residents who prefer to speak to a person, or who rely on more traditional ways of accessing support.

If you or someone you know is finding it difficult to access council services online, please do get in touch. You are always welcome at one of my surgeries, or you can give me a call. I am here to help and will do my best to ensure you can access the services you’re entitled to.

https://www.bridportnews.co.uk/news/26065380.complaints-dorset-council-using-ai-technology/?

ADVANCED technology – which Dorset Council hoped would make it more efficient – is having the opposite effect as residents use Artificial…

01/05/2026

As is reported here, I remain concerned at the potential for the digital exclusion of those who don’t use the Internet.

If anyone in Colehill or Wimborne Minster East struggles with council forms I would urge them to contact me, either at one of my surgeries or by telephone or email, and I’ll do what I can to help you navigate the system.

ADVANCED technology – which Dorset Council hoped would make it more efficient – is having the opposite effect as residents use Artificial…