Dorset Council News
Spring 2024
Get out and about Local elections - remember your voter ID A healthy start to 2024
Little things, BIG difference Give a little
The little things we do can make a
big difference. Here in Dorset, we believe small acts of kindness can make a
meaningful impact within our communities. To find out about the little things you can
do to make a big difference this spring visit: staywelldorset.nhs.uk/littlethings
Sue, The Beacon Café, St Mary’s Church, Ferndown.
Talk to us if you’re worried about getting your child to school.
Struggling to get your child to school? Help is available – find out more:
dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/attendance 2
Find out more at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Welcome We have made huge progress since Dorset Council formed in 2019.
We are in a better financial position than many other councils, despite the challenges of being a large rural council with one of the biggest older populations. We have a lot more to do, but have made great strides and we remain committed to delivering the best for all our residents. We have so far saved over £96 million. This has been reinvested to protect frontline services. Our strong leadership has been recognised with prestigious awards. We lead national groups, influencing regional and national matters. Our louder voice has helped us secure over £121 million extra funding. So far, we have invested £19.5 million into over 350 new energy saving measures in council-owned buildings, saving us over £1 million a year in energy costs.
services as ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding’ leadership, after a decade of lower grading under the former county council. We are investing £40 million to create 500 more places in mainstream and special schools for children with special education needs, saving transport costs and keeping them closer home. Last year, we enabled 664 new affordable homes to be built or acquired. We have halved the number of homeless cases by stepping in early with support and advice before people reach crisis point. We are improving biodiversity on our roadside verges. Over 1 million square metres (approximately 247 acres) are managed in a nature friendly way, helping pollinators and butterflies. Dorset was chosen as the first area in the UK to benefit from the government’s Project Gigabit programme, enabling better digital connection for our rural communities and businesses. We secured £19.5 million government Levelling Up funding to enable new homes and jobs in Weymouth. Thank you for your support to make Dorset a great place to live, work and visit.
Thanks to your work, just 2 per cent of Dorset’s household waste is sent to landfill; our recycling and composting rate at 58.9 per cent puts us in the top three unitary councils in England.
Matt Prosser Chief Executive
We work closely with organisations (like the NHS), residents, and community groups, enabling support for residents struggling with the cost of living, and schemes for refugees in Dorset.
You may be wondering why this introduction is from me, rather than the political Leader of the Council.
We are transforming adult social care so people have a better quality of life. Our new company, Care Dorset, has enabled us to double the number of people who can live independently at home. Our most recent Ofsted inspection rated children’s
Sign up to weekly news from Dorset Council at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/e-news Cover image: Dorset Delights facebook.com/saintsmadmomma73 Designed and produced by the Dorset Council Communications team. Printed by Blackmore Ltd on paper from renewable sources, such as wood pulp. No water or chemicals are used in the plate-making process, the ink dries by absorption and oxidisation, therefore no energy is consumed in the drying process. All material printed in this magazine is the copyright of the parties mentioned and cannot be reproduced in any form without written permission. All details correct at time of going to print and are subject to change.
As we approach the Dorset Council elections in May, when all our 82 council seats will be up for election, council publicity is legally required to not include any politicians (councillors). Please read more on page 4 about getting ready for the elections and a reminder about voter ID.
If you would like this information in an alternative format please call 01305 221000 or email customerservices@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Dorset Council cannot vouch for the legitimacy of, or endorse, any advertiser in Dorset Council News. If you prefer to receive an email copy of Dorset Council News, please let us know at comms@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk Find out more at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
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Get ready for the local elections Dorset goes to the polls to elect councillors for Dorset Council and town and parish councils on 2 May 2024. The Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner election will also take place on 2 May. If a family member, or someone you know, has just reached 18, or will do so by 2 May, they need to register to vote by 17 April. If you’ve recently moved, you will need to register at your new address, and if you have changed your name you’ll need to register too by 17 April. You can vote in person, by post, or by appointing someone trusted to vote on your behalf (known as a proxy vote).
Make sure you have identification with a photograph If you plan to vote at a polling station, you will need a photo ID.
Accepted identification includes:
Driving Licence (Plastic type with photo) Passport Bus Pass Concessionary travel pass A Blue Badge If you don’t have valid identification, see how to apply for a free photo ID at: electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID You can only vote at the polling station as named on your polling card. To find out more about voting visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/how-to-vote If you need to talk to someone, call us on 01305 838299.
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Find out more at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Magazine survey results Thank you if you took part in our survey about this magazine in the autumn edition. We received 500 responses.
90% said they would read all or some
of the magazine to find out about council services
90% said Dorset Council News
contains articles and stories that are relevant to them
80% said they would like to continue having the magazine delivered to their home
54% said something in the magazine had helped them or changed the way they do something
You also told us what you find most useful in the magazine, and what you would like to see more of. Bin collection dates were the most popular topic in the autumn edition. We will use the feedback to help decide if the magazine is to continue in its current format.
Have you signed up to our new customer account? It’s quick, easy and free to sign up for your new customer account with Dorset Council online. You’ll get tailored council information related to where you live, including which bin to put out and when, and details about your local councillors. More information and services will be added as we develop the web pages. Sign up for an account on our website at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/log-in Once you’ve had a look, please use the feedback form to let us know what you think.
Reduce your fashion More electric footprint vehicle chargers £140 million worth of clothes are sent to landfill every year in the UK. Some clothing may be cheap, but materials, processing and transport have a huge environmental impact. Care for your clothes so they last longer, and dispose of them carefully to reduce your carbon footprint. buy wisely – do you really need it? buy pre-owned – there are some amazing deals on second hand and vintage clothing wash your clothes at the right temperature repair – there are clothes repairers around Dorset, or search online for sewing lessons hire for one-off occasions rehome - earn cash by selling your clothes, swap with friends, give to charity or organise a clothes swap event with swish.com
We’re working with award winning installers, Joju, and operators, Mer, to get more EV chargepoints installed in Dorset. By 2030, we’re aiming to get 80 per cent of households within a 10-minute walk of a public chargepoint. To date we’ve concentrated on Dorset’s towns, and have installed over 135 chargers across 41 locations. Thanks to new funding, we’re now working on installing chargepoints in villages too.
If your community could benefit from a chargepoint, you can suggest possible locations at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/electricvehicle-charge-points
See what you can do at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ climate-clothes-advice
Wareham Find out more at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
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A one stop shop for carers Advice and information for carers is available on the new self-help website, Bridgit Care. The easy access platform connects you to services that support and inform you about local events. It provides information about allowances, benefits, assessments, discounts, training, stress and anxiety. You can also build your own self-help plan. Bridgit Care has been helping thousands of carers across Dorset since last spring, you don’t need to register to benefit and it is available any time of day. An unpaid carer is anyone who looks after a friend or family member who, due to their circumstances, cannot cope without their support. Access support at bridgit.care If you cannot, or prefer not to go online, call Carer Support Dorset on 0800 368 8349 to discover free support and help.
Cooking up a treat We support and administer funding for local organisations and community groups. Thanks to money from the government’s Household Support Fund, a group of adults in Weymouth is learning how to prepare and cook healthy meals. £5,000 was awarded to ‘The Friendly Food Club’ this winter to run cookery lessons for adults at their day care centre. The workshops teach people how to cook, and provide a fun, safe environment to develop their food knowledge, independence, and skills. The group shared the food they have prepared with their support workers. One member, Liberty, said she wished she could do the fun classes every day. Find out more about cookery courses for all ages at thefriendlyfoodclub.org
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Find out more at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Over the last year, £277,755 was awarded to Dorset projects See if your community or voluntary organisation could benefit by visiting dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/yourcommunity/support
Be our eyes and ears on wasted empty homes
If you know of an empty home near you, please tell us. These are properties that typically have been unoccupied for at least two years. An empty building can quickly fall into disrepair, negatively affect an area and, seeing it daily can be sad and frustrating. The council may already be aware of a property, but if we don’t know about it, we can’t act. Returning an empty property to use can provide a ‘new’ home and reduce pressure on the need for new development. It can also provide an income and asset for the owner. There are around 330 long-term empty homes in Dorset. Since 2020, we’ve successfully brought 34 homes back to life with grants, loans, and advice but there’s more to do. When we have been unable to make progress and exhausted all options, we will, as a last resort, take enforcement action or acquire a property under a compulsory purchase order. For listed buildings, our conservation experts can guide the restoration works. Last year, we assisted with the transformation of a Grade II Iisted cottage on Shaftesbury’s Gold Hill, home of the famous Hovis advert. Derelict for five years, we helped bring the property to auction before our conservation team worked with the new owner to restore the building. In 2022, another derelict home in North Dorset was brought back to life after 20 years, with the help of loans and grant funding. The building was leased back to us and is now a home for a local family who were on the housing register. If you own an empty property or wish to report an empty home, visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/empty-homes to complete our online form or call us on 01305 221000.
Council tax reduction From 1 April 2024, the council tax reduction scheme is changing for customers who are of working-age. If you don’t already claim financial assistance with your council tax and are struggling, it is worth having a look to see if you could receive some help. You may be eligible if:
You pay council tax to Dorset Council
You’re on a low income or claiming benefits
You have capital below £6,000
You can apply regardless of your council tax band, but the maximum amount will be capped at a Band E level. You can also send an email to benefits@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk. If you do not have computer access, phone us on 01305 211930 Find out more at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
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Recharging our greenspaces Our small team of countryside rangers maintains miles of public rights of way and highway verges, and lots of nature sites across Dorset. Until recently, the team has relied on noisy, heavy, petrol-powered tools to do their jobs. However, in a bid to drive down our carbon footprint, we’ve now swapped lots of these old fuel guzzlers with clean electric equivalents. By installing solar panels on our depot and country park roofs, these new tools can be charged using 100% renewable energy.
Help make Dorset’s nature bigger and better From ancient woodlands to rugged coastlines, our unique and diverse landscape is home to all sorts of amazing wildlife, some so rare they can’t be found anywhere else. But, like many places across the UK, our wildlife numbers are declining. That is why we’re working with residents, community groups and organisations on a plan to make Dorset’s nature bigger, better, and more joined up. Find out more about the plan and how you can help at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/nature-recovery
Connect with nature With spring around the corner, connecting with nature could be the perfect remedy to shake off those winter blues. Being outdoors has many benefits for our physical and mental health, so lace up those boots and see what Dorset has to offer! Whether it’s visiting a country park, exploring Dorset’s network of footpaths and trails, or wildlife spotting at a reserve, there are many ways to connect with nature. See our website to find a nature site in your area: dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/countrysidesites-and-nature-reserves
Butterfly image by Susan Buckland
Support for tree planting projects Trees are important for so many reasons, from supporting wildlife to helping create a healthier, more resilient environment. If you have a community tree planting project that needs support, the Dorset Community Tree Fund could help. You can apply for a grant to help plant and care for trees in your patch. Find out more about the fund and how to apply at dorset-nl.org.uk/project/dorset-community -tree-project
Climate exhibition on tour this summer Discover how our Low Carbon Dorset programme is helping local businesses and communities prepare for a greener and more sustainable future. See inspiring photos and follow their stories this summer at our climate exhibition. Find out when and where you can see it at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/our-journey-to-net-zero
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Find out more at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Getting out and about Dorset has so many places to explore! There are almost 3,000 miles of public rights of way. That’s 4,700 footpaths, 1,700 bridleways and 37 byways. There are 87 miles of coastline, most of which is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a yearround attraction for relaxation, walking and fossil hunting. Its beauty is due to it constantly changing. Rockfalls and landslips are natural occurrences that have shaped our coast and continue to do so. If you visit the coastline, keep safe by staying away from the edge of the cliff tops and from the base of cliffs. We manage four country parks and visitor centres with cafes. They offer accessible ways to enjoy many landscapes, making it easier to connect with nature. Visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/countryside to learn more about these parks, including accessibility, and other coastal attractions.
Terrific for families and accessible for all. A great place to bird watch or see native reptile species. Park gates open daily 8am to 7.30pm BH24 2DH 01425 478082
dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/avonheath A rolling landscape surrounding the Victorian Durlston Castle. Discover flower filled meadows, and explore the Victorian Pleasure Grounds and historic Great Globe. Take in an exhibition, or spot dolphins in the sea. Country Park open all year round Visitor centre open 10am to 4pm (1 November to 31 March) and until 5pm from 1 April
Explore the landscape that inspired Thomas Hardy. Thorncombe woods is a magical pocket of mixed woodland and heath that includes a wellpreserved Roman road. Visitor Centre open daily from 10am (except Christmas Day) DT2 8QH 01305 251228
dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/thorncombewood
There’s something for everyone! Enjoy a peaceful walk or cycle ride through the forest, experience a ride on a narrow-gauge steam train or Go Ape on a forest adventure swinging through the treetops. Visitor Centre open daily 9am to 4.30pm (except Christmas Day), later in summer 01425 470721 BH24 2ET
BH19 2JL 01929 424443
durlston.co.uk
moors-valley.co.uk Find out more at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
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You can foster
All families need help sometimes
We all need a bit of help sometimes, and families can get help and a warm welcome at our Family Hubs.
Do any of the thoughts below stop you from fostering?
I don’t have children of my own I work or have a busy lifestyle I have a pet I don’t own my own home I lack confidence and worry I don’t have the skills
They don’t need to! We welcome people from all backgrounds and circumstances, as long as you are over 18. You can find the answers to these, and many other questions on our website. When you foster with us, you don’t do it alone. You enter a supportive and experienced fostering community, with access to 24/7 support, training and a weekly allowance. If you have a spare room and time to help a young person, please get in touch. Call us on 01305 221000 or visit fosterwithdorsetcouncil.com
Concerned about your child’s school attendance? You’re not alone
Open to all families, they bring together Dorset Council, health services, and community organisations to provide support. They also offer social opportunities where you can meet other families, such as stay and play sessions. A parent said: “The Family Hub is not just for families in crisis. You can come for any help, even if just a chat. The supportive hub makes it easy to find the right services when you’re stuck.”
Connect with your local Family Hub on Facebook, visit dorsetcouncil.gov. uk/family-hubs or pop into your local Family Hub for a chat at:
The Centre, Ferndown
We understand that going to school can be challenging for some children and young people.
Leigh Park, Wimborne
If you or your child is struggling, here are some suggestions:
Purbeck Youth and Community Foundation, Wareham
Bridport Children’s Centre
Start by reaching out to your school; they’re there to help Contact your local early help team for assistance: visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/locality-teams-in-dorset Get help if you think your child may have special education needs Visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/dorset-education-adviceline to book an appointment.
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These hubs offer information, advice, and services like health visits, parenting programmes, and sessions on healthy living and managing finances.
Find out more at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
More money for roads An extra £4.1 million (just over £2 million each in 2023/24 and 2024/25) is being invested into our roads, enabling more maintenance and repair. The money is from central government following the cancellation of the HS2 rail line extension to Manchester. We invest in keeping our roads in good condition, using treatments to prevent them deteriorating. This extra funding will help us speed up our programme, reaching more roads before cracking or potholes appear. We will also use the extra money to fix potholes or bigger repairs. In some cases, we need to resurface or reconstruct roads that have reached the end of their life. Some older roads need more resurfacing or reconstruction to keep them fit for the 21st century. Whenever possible, we re-use a road’s existing materials by mixing with a binding product to form a sound base for the new surface. This is better for the environment and saves money. Latest technology, including artificial intelligence, is helping us identify priority issues for repair. The funding will enable us to trial new methods of patching (repairs). This includes heating up the existing asphalt (the tarmac like surface), adding materials, called binder or aggregates, and recompacting in situ to form a permanent seamless repair. Learn more about maintenance at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/roads
Safer streets near schools Three Dorset schools are taking part in a project to close roads outside their gates during drop-off and pick-up. Residents, blue badge holders and emergency vehicles still have access during these times. This is enabling a less congested, more social and safer way to start and finish the school day. Upton Junior School; St Osmund’s and Manor Park School, Dorchester; and Chickerell Primary have been taking part in the experimental scheme. The schemes for Upton Junior School and St Osmund’s and Manor Park have support to become permanent, subject to consultation. Chickerell Primary School’s experimental scheme is in place until June. If you would like your school to take part, ask them to consider a School Street or contact schoolstreets@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Report a road problem
Sometimes problems arise between our regular inspections. Report problems online at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/report-a-problem-on-theroad-or-pavement To report hazards, obstructions and dangerous situations that could cause damage or injury, call our 24-hour line on 01305 221020 Find out more at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
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Help prevent suicide in just 20 minutes Everyone should know how to have potentially life-saving conversations. With just 20 minutes of online training, you can feel confident having a conversation with someone you’re worried about, spot warning signs and know where to signpost people to. The training for over 16s is free and it’s confidential. There are also specific sessions for taxi drivers, and for families or friends of students, veterans, and men in prison. Visit zerosuicidealliance.com/training to start now. Suicide is preventable, and together we can help people have the right support.
Get mental health support 24 hours a day In an emergency always call 999 Call Samaritans on 116 123 Text SHOUT to 85258 Find other support, including bereavement at publichealthdorset.org.uk/mental-health
A healthy kick-start for ‘couch potato’ Maureen Maureen knew she needed to lose weight, but it wasn’t until her doctor warned her she was pre-diabetic that she decided to act by registering with LiveWell Dorset. “I was becoming a couch potato. I told myself it was okay but, after routine blood tests, I discovered I was borderline diabetic and that really frightened me.” Maureen signed up for LiveWell’s kick-start weight-loss programme, with free coaching: “I now eat healthy meals and exercise daily. I feel 100 per cent happier and healthier. LiveWell changed my life. The coaching is an amazing offer, I can’t believe it’s free.” Read more about Maureen’s success story at livewelldorset. co.uk/success-stories/maureen or to see how LiveWell Dorset can help, or call freephone 0800 8401628
Volunteering improves lives Dorset’s fantastic volunteers make a big difference to the wellbeing of residents. Those who are older or isolated can benefit hugely, living healthier lives for longer in their own homes. If you know about voluntary work that improves the lives of older people near you, please tell us by answering a few quick questions on our website at publichealthdorset.org.uk/thrivingcommunities Alternatively, call 01305 224400. Your answers will help us understand how we can support others to do similar things, making Dorset a great place to live for older people. See volunteering opportunities at volunteeringdorset.org.uk or call 01305 269214
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Find out more at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Repeat prescriptions? Only order what you need. Did you know that approximately 1.6 million medicine items are wasted unnecessarily in Dorset each year? We need your help to reduce this. Check what medicines you have at home before you order your repeat prescriptions. If you have enough, only request the medicines you need this time. You will still be able to order your medicine again in future.
Story by Fiona Arnold
Community Pharmacy Clinical Lead NHS Dorset “In my time as a pharmacist, I welcomed conversations with patients about their repeat prescriptions and identifying medications no longer necessary. “I always asked people to check what they have at home before placing an order. It’s important for people to know they can always order medicines later, when they are needed. “Ordering unnecessary medication raises the risk of shortages for those in need, and people often don’t realise that stockpiling can be dangerous for children and pets. “It’s great to see people thinking more about what medicines they order and disposing of medicines properly at their pharmacy. It’s important for patients to have the necessary medicines to stay well, while being mindful of not ordering unnecessary medications at any given time.”
Only order what you need
Thank you for helping your community to reduce medicine waste.
Repeat prescriptions?
Only order what you need 10% of medicines prescribed nationally are not needed In Dorset we spend £9 million a month on repeat medications Speak to your pharmacy team about only ordering what you need
Find out more about our medicine waste campaign at: nhsdorset.nhs.uk/yourmeds
Find out more at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
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Are you ready for the digital switchover? By 2025 most telephone providers will move customers from analogue landlines to digital technology. Your telephone supplier will contact you before the switch. You do not have to pay for a new service. Be wary of emails or phone calls asking for personal details or payment. If in doubt, hang up on calls and do not click on links in emails. If you don’t have broadband, some providers will offer a simple internet connection for phone calls. Telecare users will only be moved to digital if the provider or telecare company can provide a suitable alternative solution.
Age UK offers comprehensive advice. Search for landline telephones at Ageuk.org.uk or call 0800 678 1602.
A doorway to a digital world It was 2021, the country was in lockdown and everything in Simon’s world turned upside down. Forced to give up his job as a primary school teacher due to mental health struggles, the then 50-year-old had reached the lowest moment of his life. Fast-forward two years, and thanks to support from the NHS Mental Health team and a gift from Dorset Council, Simon is facing a brighter future. That gift, a laptop computer from the council’s Digital Doorway scheme, made Simon’s dream of being a self-employed craftsman a reality. Simon explained: “I’ve always been creative, but during this time I discovered how much craft making helped me. “It was the healing process I had been looking for.” Craft making was key to Simon’s recovery, and paved the way to a future career, with a little digital support to get him there. Digital Doorway gives laptops and tablets to digitally excluded residents. This could be through a lack of skills, confidence, or affordability. With the laptop, and free software, Simon could create a website for his business.
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Find out more at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
“Building up a business is a slow process but I wouldn’t be where I am without the laptop,” Simon added. “It’s the horse that drives my business, I’m forever grateful.” To be considered for Digital Doorway, you must be referred by a professional, such as a social worker, GP or Citizens Advice officer. Digital Doorway was made possible using funds raised by recycling old Dorset Council devices. If you are an organisation and want to find out more or learn how to become a Digital Doorway funding partner, please send an email to digitaldorset@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Reducing food waste Using your brown kerbside bin to dispose of your food waste helps the environment and saves the council money.
Our weekly collections of food waste are taken to a facility here in Dorset where they are broken down in sealed tanks. This produces biogas, an environmentally-friendly renewable energy source, meaning energy is created in a sustainable way without the need to burn fossil fuels. The picture opposite shows how the process works. Placing food waste in your brown bin is much cheaper for us to dispose of than general black bag waste. 20 per cent of general rubbish is still food waste which could be sent to our local treatment facility. Please help us keep costs down. Your enthusiasm to dispose of food waste in your brown bins saves us money and reduces your environmental impact, which is good for public services and better for the planet too!
Your food waste journey…
U w
Th in D
Collected
sent to an anaerobic digestion plant in Dorchester
Biogas
is created when the food is mixed with water, stored in a sealed tank, and broken down by microbes and bacteria
Produces
renewable electricity and heat for local homes and businesses. What’s left is used as a fertiliser for local farms
Did you know: Adding a few layers of kitchen roll helps soak up liquid in your bin.
In participation with
It’s easy to clean your kitchen caddy by swilling it with a mild detergent or bicarbonate of soda but never use For more information visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/food-waste bleach. You can also clean it in the dishwasher. Find out more at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/food-waste
Garden waste collection service Sign up today to get your garden waste collected every fortnight from the kerbside
y save money, fuel and time on trips to the recycling centre y service provided all-year-round (except Christmas) y easy and convenient
For further details apply online at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/gardenwaste or phone 01305 221040
Scan the QR code to apply
Find out more at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
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Find out more at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk