Dorset weekly round-up: 24 February - 1 March 2024

Physios and therapists from various NHS organisations looked after the patients

A story about weekend hospital opening in Christchurch was among our most read stories 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.

Christchurch weekend clinic treats 100 patients to cut waiting lists

Chris Efford, lead for the musculoskeletal therapy service at University Hospitals Dorset, said the NHS's challenges needed "innovative approaches"

A community hospital that usually closes at the weekend welcomed about 100 patients on Saturday as part of push to cut NHS waiting lists.

People with musculoskeletal problems were booked in to the special clinic at Christchurch Hospital in Dorset.

They were greeted by physios and various therapists, with students doing medical-based courses at Bournemouth University also helping out.

It is the second time an event like this has been held in Dorset.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor pulls out of headlining Poole Pride

Sophie Ellis-Bextor's 2001 hit, Murder on the Dancefloor, is back in the charts

Sophie Ellis-Bextor has pulled out of headlining a Pride event set to be held in Dorset this summer.

The first Poole Pride is being hosted at the town's Lighthouse theatre on 8 June, and it was previously announced the star would be performing at its evening concert.

The Murder on the Dancefloor singer did not give a reason why she was unable to attend the LGBTQ+ event - but said she hoped to be back in the future.

BCP Council agrees plan to sell beach car park to developers

Councillors have voted to sell part of a seaside car park to build 72 homes.

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

BCP said the 316-space facility, 100m (320ft) from Branksome Beach, was underused and many spaces were unusable due to landslips and tree roots.

Local people had opposed the plan, describing it as "short-sighted and damaging".

Ukrainian refugees in Dorset cling on to 'dream' to return home

Nataliia and her son and husband are now all in Dorset

Returning to Ukraine feels like an impossible "dream" for some Ukrainians who fled to the UK after war broke out.

Saturday 24 February marked two years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of the country.

Dorset has welcomed more than 1,000 people through the government's Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Refugees and people from organisations who have been supporting them recently gathered for an event in Poundbury.

Weymouth carnival comeback cancelled for 2024

Weymouth's last carnival was staged in 2018

Weymouth Carnival has been cancelled for 2024, organisers have said.

The event, last held at the Dorset seaside resort in 2018, had been expected to make a comeback in August.

Organisers said they had been unable to secure the necessary approvals and funding but were working to hold an alternative summer event.

In a statement, the team said it would continue to work with the council, businesses and the community to bring back the carnival.

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