Latest news with #JonAndrews
BBC News
5 days ago
- BBC News
Temporary resin fix for West Bay's crumbling harbour walls
Resin is to be in injected into a crumbling harbour wall to stabilise it ahead of the busy tourist season.A footpath along the harbour wall in West Bay, Dorset, has been closed for eight months after cracks led to fears it could sheet piling was installed in February and March to prevent further deterioration ahead of the "interim measure".Dorset Council says major, "lasting" works on the structure are due to begin in October. Scaffolding installed for the sheet piling will be reconfigured to create a platform for contractors to carry out the geopolymer injection structure will be returned to its original configuration ahead of the summer Council said access to businesses would not be affected and shops and cafes would remain open as services councillor Jon Andrews said: "These repairs are vital to ensuring the long-term stability of West Bay Harbour, a key part of our coastal infrastructure. "We appreciate the patience and co-operation of local businesses and residents as we carry out these essential works. "Our priority is to complete them efficiently while minimising disruption, and we are grateful for the continued support of the community." You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
BBC News
28-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Dorchester pedestrian signals works throughout summer holiday
Pedestrian signals are being modernised to improve traffic management in a Dorset signals in High East Street junction with Church Street in Dorchester have "reached the end of their maintainable life", according to Dorset authority explained they would be replaced to make the crossing safer and easier to use. Work is expected to start on 2 June and last for six weeks. The authority said signed diversions would be in place and asked people to "be prepared for some disruption". In a statement, the authority said the junction will be controlled with three-way lights and there would be road closures in place Way will be closed from 2 June until 6 June, while Friary Lane will be closed from 2 June until 17 Jon Andrews said: "Technology has advanced significantly since these signals were installed many years ago."The new signals will improve the experience for pedestrians and the smart technology will adapt to traffic conditions to keep vehicles flowing."During the works, we will be using the same temporary signals used during our recent Maumbury junction works, which served motorists and us well."As with all highways work, there will be some disruption during the improvements and we encourage all road users to allow extra time when planning their journey in this area."The authority confirmed further improvement works were planned for later in 2025 and in 2026, with details yet to be announced. You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
BBC News
02-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Dorset council unveils public transport improvement plans
A council has revealed plans to enhance public transport through a series of Council's Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) includes more frequent services and launching community transport in partnership with local transport operators, the plan aims to achieve improvements in areas including Weymouth, Dorchester, Bridport, Sturminster Newton, and Gillingham, while maintaining enhanced routes between Wimborne, Ferndown, and Bournemouth, the council says. Jon Andrews, the council's cabinet member for place services, said the improvements would benefit "residents and visitors alike". Dorset was allocated £3.3m of Bus Grant funding as part of the government's £670m funding to enable local authorities to deliver their BSIPs. The delivery plan, which was approved on 20 March, is conditional on its submission and publication council said it would aim at boosting public transport use and improving accessibility, particularly for rural BSIP also envisions trialling an electric minibus to promote a sustainable, low-emission Andrews called the projects planned for 2025/26 "incredibly exciting"."From improved bus services to infrastructure upgrades and electric vehicle trials, these improvements will make transport more accessible, reliable, and sustainable, benefitting residents and visitors alike."But he added that Dorset "remains disadvantaged by the current funding allocation formula"."The money we've received from government is only a small part of what is required to transform the bus network across Dorset, and longer-term funding is key to us achieving our BSIP vision," Mr Andrews said."We will work closely with our MPs to advocate for fairer funding in the future to truly unlock the potential of public transport across our county." You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Views wanted on council's street lights consultation
A review looking into potential changes for street lighting in Dorset has started. Dorset Council wants feedback on potential changes to lights to improve safety, cut energy use and improve environmental sustainability. Responses to the consultation will be reviewed and used to update the authority's street lighting policy, which was introduced in 2020. Currently it is phasing out the use of old-style sodium lights in favour of LED streetlights, which can cut energy use by up to 60%. Potential changes the council is consulting on until 4 May include using different LEDs in new street lights and dimming lights in residential areas at quieter times. Jon Andrews, its cabinet member for place services, said feedback would help form a policy "that not only enhances safety and reduces energy consumption but also respects our environment and the lives of local communities". You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Change streetlights to improve health, council told 'Too bright' street lights set to be replaced Dorset Council
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Yahoo
New cycle and walk route aims to cut car use
A new off-road cycle and walking path aimed at reducing car use in part of east Dorset has opened. The four-mile (7km) route links Wimborne and Trickett's Cross in Ferndown. With about 5,000 people commuting daily to the Ferndown Industrial Estate and three local schools, Dorset Council said the route offered a "realistic alternative" to travelling by car. Work on completing a network of routes, along with bus improvements, was funded by the government's Active Travel Fund. Councillor Jon Andrews, cabinet member for place services, said the project "vastly improves the experience" for anyone walking, cycling or wheeling along Wimborne Road. "We have gone from narrow and often bumpy walkways to wide and level off-road access from Wimborne to Ferndown," he said. "With the large centre of employment at the Ferndown Industrial Estate and three schools nearby, this offers a safe and healthy option to get around." You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Dorset Council
