Council News

Harvesting Apples and Pears

Shaftesbury’s free summer harvest you didn’t already know, Shaftesbury is now an Orchard Town. It’s fruit and nut harvesting time, and Shaftesbury Town Council, supported by Shaftesbury Tree Group and the Sustainable Shaftesbury Advisory Committee, want…

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Mock up of new Mampitts Community Hub building design

Cafe operator expressions of interest open for planned Mampitts Community Hub

Shaftesbury Town Council invites experienced café operators to express interest in running a new café within the planned Mampitts Community Hub in Shaftesbury. This is an early information-gathering exercise to explore potential café operations that…

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Free fruit for all – It’s harvest time in Shaftesbury’s orchards

Shaftesbury’s free summer harvest If you didn’t already know, Shaftesbury is now an Orchard Town. It’s fruit and nut harvesting time, and Shaftesbury Town Council, supported by Shaftesbury Tree Group and the Sustainable Shaftesbury Advisory…

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Shaftesbury's new Town Crier

Shaftesbury welcomes new Town Crier

  Shaftesbury Town Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Phil Elsworth as Shaftesbury’s new Town Crier, following an open recruitment process in July. The appointment marks the continuation of a proud tradition…

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Town Crier standing on Gold Hill looking up at Shaftesbury Town Hall.

Town Crier Applications Now Open

Become the Voice of Shaftesbury Could you be the voice that carries our town’s message forward? Applications are now open for the honorary role of Town Crier, a unique and historic position that brings tradition,…

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Teenager wins for Shaftesbury at North Dorset Tourism Photography Awards

Local talent shines at regional photo awards The Shaftesbury community had reason to celebrate at the recent North Dorset Tourism Photography Awards, as local teenager Olly Phillips was announced as the Shaftesbury winner with his…

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Photo of new Town Clerk Sarah Smith

Mayor announces appointment of new Town Clerk

Shaftesbury Town Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Smith as the new Town Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer, following a comprehensive recruitment process. Sarah will take up her post on Monday 7th…

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New Mayor Pays Tribute to Town Clerk

Shaftesbury Town Council bids a fond farewell to its Town Clerk, Brie Logan, as she steps down after 7.5 years of dedicated service. In her first official statement, the newly appointed Mayor, Councillor Virginia Edwyn-Jones…

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The Mayor of Shaftesbury presents fundraising cheque to The Brave and Determined charity

Mayor presents cheque to Mayor’s Charity at the Annual Town Meeting

The Annual Town Meeting brought together residents, councillors, and community partners to reflect on a transformative year for Shaftesbury. It was a moment to look back at the achievements of the past twelve months, celebrate…

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Concert at Castle Hill for VE80 Celebration

Commemorating 80 Years of VE Day

Join Us for a Community Celebration This year marks a significant milestone in our shared history: the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Victory in Europe, bringing an end to World War II on the continent.…

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Mock up of new Mampitts Community Hub building design

Project management opportunity to deliver Community Hub vision

Shaftesbury Town Council is seeking to appoint a Project Management contractor to lead the delivery of the Mampitts Community Hub, an ambitious and community-driven development set to open in Spring/Summer 2026. This is a fixed-term…

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Town hall aerial shot

Recruitment underway for new Town Clerk in Shaftesbury

Shaftesbury Town Council has formally launched the recruitment process for a new Town Clerk, following the resolution made at the Full Council meeting in March 2025 to appoint a specialist recruitment company to oversee the…

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The Annual Town Meeting and Community Expo is on Tuesday 29th April

2025 Town Meeting and Community Expo

    An evening of connection, conversation, and community This year’s Town Meeting and Community Expo is taking place on Tuesday 29th April at the Town Hall. If you haven’t been to a Town Meeting…

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Public Question and Answer session with Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council

Full Council meeting with Nick Ireland – Leader of Dorset Council

    March’s meeting of the full council will be a little different. Councillors will host special guest, Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council. Residents are invited to attend and take part in the…

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Press Release: Shaftesbury Town Council Town Clerk resignation

Shaftesbury Town Clerk, Brie Logan, has announced her resignation after seven successful years at the Town Council and will leave on Friday May 23rd 2025. Brie initially joined in 2017 as the Council’s Business Manager…

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The Shaftesbury Photography Competition aims to spotlight Shaftesbury as a must-visit destination.

Shaftesbury launches local photo competition

Celebrate shaftesbury through your lens Shaftesbury residents and visitors are invited to take part in the Shaftesbury Photography Competition, a creative initiative that celebrates the beauty, culture, and community of our town. This local competition…

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Birds eye view of top of Gold Hill looking at back of Town Hall and the centre of Shaftesbury

Shaftesbury Town Council Announces Budget and Precept for 2025/2026

Following extensive deliberations and public engagement, Shaftesbury Town Council has resolved to increase the town’s portion of the Council Tax to ensure the continued provision of vital services and investment in community assets. Shaftesbury’s share…

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Low Carbon Dorset Photography Exhibition

Shaftesbury Hosts the Inspiring ‘Journey to Net Zero’ Photography Exhibition

Shaftesbury Town Council is delighted to announce that our town will play host to the much-celebrated ‘Journey to Net Zero’ photography exhibition, brought to us by Dorset Council’s Low Carbon Dorset programme. This powerful exhibition…

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