News

Image of Harriet swimming in the sea

Shaftesbury Lido appoints new Pool Manager

We are very excited to announce that Harriet Green (some of you may know her as Aquatic Harriet) has been appointed as our new Pool Manager.  Harriet is a qualified swim instructor, cold-water and open-water…

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Image of the Jubilee Steps at St James' Park

St James’ Park – Jubilee Steps closed

As part of the ongoing improvements to St James’ Park, the Jubilee Steps will be closed from Monday 8th January as work to the handrail begins. Heras fencing will be erected at the top and…

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Cold-water swimming to continue in the New Year

Following a successful four-week trial, we are delighted to announce that we will be continuing our cold-water swimming sessions in January 2024.  We will reopen the doors on Saturday 6th January and sessions will take place…

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New Councillor event – 30th January 2024

In May 2024, the number of town councillors will be increasing from 12 to 15 to serve the needs of our growing community. If you are passionate about Shaftesbury and are keen to make a…

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The Shaftesbury Loop

With less sunlight, darker evenings and colder weather, the winter can make us just want to hibernate indoors, but it’s even more important to get out in the fresh air at this time of year.…

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Image of the parking charges at Coppice St

Charges to apply at Coppice St car park

Following the commissioning of the payment machine last month, we can now confirm that charges will apply in the newly revamped Coppice St car park from Monday 11th December.  The net income from this parking facility…

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Shaftesbury artisan market to return in 2024

Thanks to everyone who made it out in the rain to support our last The Shaftesbury Market of the year! It was really encouraging to see the High Street bustling with people. We are delighted…

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Upgrade works to play parks

As part of our wider Play Masterplan for the town, we are happy to confirm that Vita Play has been appointed to carry out upgrades at the following play spaces in the new year: Ash…

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Shaftesbury Lido’s cold-water swimming trial featured on BBC News

We are delighted that Shaftesbury Lido’s cold-water swimming trial has been featured on BBC News today. The trial, which begins on Saturday 25th November for four weeks was launched due to demand from residents and…

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Volunteers help with planting at Queen Mother’s Garden

A huge thanks to all of the volunteers who helped with the planting in the Queen Mother’s Garden on Wednesday. Members of Shaftesbury in Bloom, Litter Free Dorset, the Blackmore Vale Partnership, Shaftesbury Abbey, Dorset…

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Shaftesbury Wellness – Aqua Fit

Following on from the bespoke Aqua Fit sessions that were run as part of Shaftesbury Wellness this summer, we are happy to share the below case study from Active Dorset, which is based on feedback…

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Cold-water swimming trial

We are happy to confirm that all the due diligence is now complete and as such the cold-water swimming trial will launch on Saturday 25th November for six weeks (final session will be Saturday 16th December). The…

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Events in Shaftesbury this festive season

2023 promises to be another fun-filled festive season in Shaftesbury with something to suit all tastes and ages.  The final Shaftesbury Market of the year will take place on Sunday 26th November, 10am – 3pm and is…

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Working at May elections for Dorset Council poster

Dorset Council seek paid staff to help out at 2024 elections

Dorset Council are seeking people to help out at the elections in May 2024. They are offering several paid roles to either work at the polling stations or help with the count. For more information…

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Wincombe Play Facility – public engagement event

As part of our Play Master Plan, we will be seeking the views of residents on improvements to Wincombe play facility on Saturday 11th November, 11am – 2pm at Wincombe Recreation Ground, SP7 8PN. You will…

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Image of Shaftesbury Town Hall

Repair works to begin on Town Hall

As part of the wider programme of works to the Town Hall, scaffolding will be erected to the outside of the building on Monday 23rd October in preparation for the work to start the following week. …

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Image of a barrier with a 'no entry' sign and the words 'Road Closures'

Roadworks update for Ratcliffe Gardens 

For the attention of residents of St James Street, Layton Lane, Hawkesdeane Lane Roadworks update for Ratcliffe Gardens View the Public Notice The rescheduled works to resurface Ratcliffe Gardens will take place on Wednesday 1st November and…

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Shaftesbury Town Clerk is announced as a finalist in national awards

We are hugely proud and delighted to share that our Town Clerk, Brie Logan has been announced as a finalist in the National Association of Local Council’s (NALC) Star Awards for Clerk of the Year!…

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