Cllr Mike Baker

21/08/2026

Growing Dorset's economy means creating opportunities for businesses, workers and communities across the county.

Last year we supported more than 700 businesses through Growth Hub programmes, backed over 100 businesses through UK Shared Prosperity Fund investment, supported 22 organisations through the Weymouth Digital Skills Hub, and secured £20 million for Portland's MEMO project.

Take a look at some of the key achievements from the past year in our Annual Report (link below).

18/08/2026

18/08/2026

Wildfires are actually common in the UK, although most are typically small and of short duration. Hot, dry weather can dry out vegetation providing fuel for fires and increase the risk of wildfires. Climate change projections suggest we will see conditions more favourable for larger, more severe wil...

18/08/2026

👮‍♂️ Meet Your Local Team 👋

I’m PCSO Sarah Hart (5301) and I’ve served as a Police Community Support Officer for 19½ years, with the last 7 years working in this neighbourhood. 🚓💙

The thing that first attracted me to the role was the variety. No two days are ever the same, and that’s something I still love today. The best part of neighbourhood policing is being able to help and reassure people, while also offering crime prevention advice to help keep our communities safe.

Two issues I’m particularly passionate about helping people with are raising awareness of scams and resolving anti-social behaviour issues. Scams are becoming increasingly common, and I want to help people stay informed and protected. I also know how much anti-social behaviour can affect quality of life, so helping residents feel more comfortable and peaceful in their neighbourhood is very important to me.
We’re lucky to work in such a beautiful part of Dorset. 🌳🌻 From the stunning countryside to the wonderful local communities, it’s a fantastic area to patrol. When you see me out on patrol, I hope you feel safe and reassured. If you ever have a question, concern, or simply want a chat, please don’t hesitate to approach me. We’re here to help, and it doesn’t always have to be about crime.

🐶 In fact, if you’re out walking your dog, please come and say hello! I love dogs and will probably be saying hello to them before you get the chance! 😄

A few quick facts about me:

☕ Coffee is my drink of choice.
📮 Before joining Dorset Police, I worked as a postwoman.
💬 I’d like local residents to know that I’m approachable and always happy to listen.

I’m looking forward to continuing to meet and support more people across the area. If you see me out and about, please stop for a chat and say hello! 👋

As part of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee uplift, new officers have joined teams across Dorset. We thought it would be a great opportunity to reintroduce the officers working in your community and help you get to know your local policing team. You will see further posts over the next couple of weeks introducing the team...

18/08/2026

18/08/2026

The Big Conversation on Care has now launched, and we would love you to share your views on adult social care. Whether you use care services, care for someone else, work
in the sector, or have opinions on how care should work in the future, you can have your say and help shape the future of care.
Find out more in the link in the first chat

18/08/2026

18/08/2026

STAYING SAFE ONLINE | Specialist officers have compiled a new guide aimed at helping parents and guardians navigate parental controls for their children when using social media.

With children and young people living in an increasingly digital age, Dorset Police’s Digital Capabilities Unit has been working to compile a useful guide for parents around some of tools they can use to help keep their loved ones safe online.

It aims to support parents and guardians to have open conversations with children around their use of social media and offers practical tips on options that are available to help make their use of social media as safe as possible.

It covers a range of social media providers as well as gaming platforms that youngsters might be using, as well as offering signposting to sites where parents and guardians can seek further support.

Detective Inspector Andy Brix, from the Digital Capabilities Unit, said: “This guide has been carefully compiled by my team to offer parents and guardians some really practical advice on how to keep children safe online such as activating parental controls for some online platforms.

“We understand social media is playing a big role in the lives of young people, increasingly influencing how they both learn and socialise.

“We also acknowledge for some adults they may want to understand more about this complex digital world and how they can help mitigate any risks, while allowing their children to maximise the positive opportunities that social media can offer.

“We sincerely hope this guide will help parents have a greater understanding of these platforms and will encourage open conversations with young people around the responsible use of social media and gaming platforms.

“We all have a part to play in keeping children safe online and by being informed, families can make safer choices together.”

An online version of the guide can be found via the link in the comments below.

18/08/2026