Cllr Matt Bell

02/06/2026

We want to hear from you. If you live or work in Dorset, your views can help shape how we keep our communities safe.
The Dorset Community Safety Partnership – including Dorset Council, Dorset Police, NHS Dorset and other partners – is developing its new Community Safety Plan for 2026 to 2029. This plan focuses on key issues such as domestic abuse, anti-social behaviour, violent crime and rural crime.
Join our online webinar on Thursday 18 June at 10am to share your thoughts and help set future priorities.
To register for the webinar and view the draft plan go to the first comment in the chat

30/05/2026

Let us know your ideas!

Littlemoor and Broadwey are to receive £2 million a year for the next decade through the UK government's Pride in Place programme. How could this money best be used to make the area an even better place to live - for current and future generations? We have already received lots of great suggestions at our community events, but did you know you can also contribute your ideas online?

You can submit your suggestions and comments online link in first comment . You need to create a login to take part, but ideas can be submitted anonymously.

A new Neighbourhood Board is currently being set up to represent local people and decide on priorities for investment. All the ideas we receive will be passed to the board for consideration.

29/05/2026

29/05/2026

It is an absolute pleasure to be able to support the work of The Friendly Food Club through my new role as Cabinet Member for Public Health, Prevention and Communities at Dorset Council.

Dorchester’s event showed just how powerful cooking and sharing food can be. It helps people build confidence, make friendships and develop healthier habits, and it’s something everyone can be part of.

This can happen anywhere. If you’re part of a community group, or just have an idea and a local space, you can start cooking sessions that work for your community. The Friendly Food Club offers practical help, training and encouragement so groups feel confident to get started.

This is about bringing people together locally, reducing isolation and supporting wellbeing in simple, everyday ways. If you’d like to help your village, town or neighbourhood get cooking, I’d really encourage you to get in touch. Find out more by visiting the article linked in the first comment.

27/05/2026

We are concerned about the large amount of misinformation online in relation to The Tea Cabin Café. Please see below for a statement from us:

The Tea Cabin café on Weymouth’s seafront has temporarily closed and will reopen to the public at a later date.
The lease agreement for the property has been ended due to ongoing rent arrears and breaches of the payment obligations set out under the lease terms. A new provider will need to be appointed to take over the lease.

We have provided answers to some questions on our website: https://www.weymouthtowncouncil.gov.uk/news/statement-from-weymouth-town-council-the-tea-cabin/

26/05/2026

26/05/2026

We are working closely with partners at Julian House and the Lantern Trust to ensure that people sleeping rough are supported during this hot spell. If you are sleeping rough or have concerns about someone who is, there are a number of ways to get in touch:

- to raise any concerns with our Housing Team, or to make a homeless application, please call 01305 221000
- to alert the outreach team at Julian House to someone sleeping rough, go to https://orlo.uk/w0rb4
- The Lantern Trust have a daytime hub service 10am - 3.30pm at 2 Ranelagh Rd, Weymouth - call 01305 787940 for further details

Please take care during this warm weather.

26/05/2026

It was a pleasure to meet so many residents engaged in shaping a positive future for their community.

A planning application is expected to be submitted this summer

22/05/2026

A very clear message from Dorset Council Leader Cllr Nick Ireland. We don't want or need an incinerator on the Dorset coast.

Council leader statement - Dorset does not want or need the Portland incinerator

Dorset Council’s leader, Cllr Nick Ireland, has today restated the council’s clear and longstanding opposition to the proposed waste incinerator at Portland.

He said: “The council has consistently opposed the incinerator from the outset, including refusing the original planning application and continuing to raise serious concerns through environmental permitting processes. That position has not changed. Dorset does not want or need this incinerator. The council believes it is in the wrong place, next to a World Heritage coastline, and does not align with Dorset’s waste strategy or wider environmental ambitions.

“The council also wants to be absolutely clear that Dorset Council is not in any discussions with Powerfuel, and there are no plans for Dorset’s waste to be sent to the Portland incinerator. Claims or suggestions to the contrary are incorrect.”

Dorset Council has waste arrangements in place and continues to focus on reducing waste, increasing recycling and moving towards more sustainable solutions that protect communities and the environment. The decision to allow the incinerator was taken by central government after overturning the council’s refusal.

Cllr Ireland added: “While that decision sits outside local control, we continue to speak up for residents and to challenge proposals we believe pose unacceptable risks to public health, the environment and Dorset’s reputation as a special place.”

22/05/2026