Dorset weekly round-up: 10 February - 16 February 2024

Chris Billam-Smith said it was "an honour to be able to help"

The story of boxing world champion Chris Billam-Smith becoming a local foodbank ambassador 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.

MP says 'we are not fair game' after protest at home

Tobias Ellwood represents Bournemouth East

A Conservative MP has said politicians cannot be viewed as "fair game" after a large-scale pro-Palestinian protest at his family home.

Tobias Ellwood, who represents Bournemouth East, told BBC Radio 4's PM programme the "bar of acceptable treatment" of MPs was falling.

More than 60 people, some holding Palestinian flags, gathered at his home on Monday to call for a Gaza ceasefire.

Double council tax second home policy agreed

Second and empty homes in Dorset will be charged a council tax premium

Dorset Council has approved plans to charge double council tax on second homes.

Councillors agreed on Wednesday to implement a 100% premium for the properties.

They also agreed to change the rules for unoccupied homes, bringing in a 100% premium after one year of the property being empty instead of two.

Boxing champ becomes foodbank's first ambassador

Chris Billam-Smith won the WBO cruiserweight title at Dean Court in May 2023

Boxing world champion Chris Billam-Smith has become an ambassador for his local foodbank.

The WBO cruiserweight title holder decided to lend his support to Bournemouth Foodbank after visiting its warehouse with his family in December.

He hopes to raise awareness of the charity's projects, such as its baby bank, and help dispel the stigma some people associate with using foodbanks.

Work to stabilise river bank completed

About 500 nails, between 8m and 12m long, were drilled through the bank to secure it to the bedrock

Work to stabilise a Dorset riverbank has been completed.

The bank of the River Stour in Sturminster Newton, which borders the A357, had been gradually slipping into the water.

Dorset Council carried out works to stop any further movement, and protect the busy road nearby.

Residents oppose plan to turn car park into homes

Residents say the Beach Road Car Park is "essential" to locals and visitors during peak times

Residents are urging councillors to vote against selling part of a seaside car park to build 72 homes.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council is considering plans to dispose of the south section of Beach Road car park in Poole.

BCP said the 316-space facility, which is about 100m (320ft) from Branksome Beach, had been "underused" for many years.