Dorset weekly round-up: 20 November - 26 November

A petition has been lodged with BCP Council to "continue the air festival"

A story about how Bournemouth Air Festival will be funded in the future was among our most read this week in Dorset.

A variety of local issues featured on the BBC News website, BBC Radio Solent and South Today.

We have picked five stories to keep you up to date.

Boat skipper jailed over death of passenger

Skipper Morgan Smith had been using his mobile phone to assist with navigation, the CPS said

A 21-year-old boat skipper has been jailed for three years over the death of one of his passengers after he crashed into a navigation buoy.

David Haw, 24, from Newick, East Sussex, fell from a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) in Poole Harbour, Dorset, in 2022 and was found dead 12 days later.

Morgan Smith, from Northampton, pleaded guilty to gross negligence manslaughter at Bournemouth Crown Court in July.

Man dubbed Gordon the Tramp dies aged 94

Gordon Roberts was a popular character in Bournemouth

A man dubbed Gordon the Tramp by students who set up a Facebook page in his honour has died aged 94.

Gordon Roberts, who was not a tramp but was recognisable due to his long beard and hair, had been a local celebrity in his hometown of Bournemouth.

In 2007, thousands joined the "fan club" page set up for Mr Roberts, whose party trick was to accurately tell the time without a watch.

Thousands yet to take up Covid booster vaccination

The BBC visited a pop-up Covid vaccination clinic for homeless people in Bournemouth

Thousands of people have yet to take up the Covid booster vaccination on offer in Dorset this winter, the NHS has said.

It said 40% of those eligible for the jab have not come forward - estimated to be more than 130,800 people.

They include the elderly, carers and those who are immunosuppressed, Dorset Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust added.

Councillors agree air festival budget cuts

The Red Arrows have been the top attraction at the Bournemouth Air Festival

Councillors have voted to cease funding Bournemouth Air Festival after next year and instead seek support from private sponsors.

Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council is considering new ways of running and funding the event amid a budget deficit, now estimated at £50m.

Proposals included capping the net cost of the 2024 air show at £200,000

Cash-strapped council suggests closing splash parks

Four paddling pools, known locally as splash parks, could be shut unless local groups or town councils want to take on the costs of maintenance

Turning off street lights, closing paddling pools and opening the tip fewer days are some of the money-saving ideas being considered by a council.

Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council has made the suggestions to balance its books - a legal requirement for local authorities.

It has a budget shortfall next year of £44m.