Cllr Matt Bell

16/10/2026

𝐃𝐎𝐑𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐃 𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊𝐒

𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐒𝐆𝐍 𝐌𝐀𝐉𝐎𝐑 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊𝐒 𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇

⚠️ 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄

𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐠𝐚𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

Please note works will now start on Friday 23 October, this is due to the works on the Esplanade overrunning.

On Friday 23 October to 20 December, SGN engineers will start work on phase one of the gas main replacement work. These works are essential to ensure we can continue to provide residents/businesses with a safe and efficient gas supply.

Due to the location of the gas main in the road, for everyone’s safety we will need to close Dorchester Road from the junction of Grove Avenue to the junction of Monmouth Avenue.

Further details regarding Phase One and the closure are outlined below, we’ve also included answers to questions raised at the drop-in event, along with some additional frequently asked questions. We hope these will help provide reassurance and provide answers to questions you may have.

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𝐐. 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤?

The road closure will begin at 6am on Friday 23 October.

To minimise disruption, the work will be completed in four sections, with the closure moving along Dorchester Road as work progresses.

Vehicle access to properties within the closure will be maintained throughout the project, although access routes may change as the work area moves. Our site team will keep affected residents and businesses informed and signage will be in place for road users.

The work involves installing a new gas pipe between Grove Avenue and Monmouth Avenue.

𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝟏

𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐖𝐞𝐲𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐁𝐚𝐲 𝐀𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞

The hard closure (no through vehicle access) will be located near Grove Avenue.

This means:

• No through vehicle access past the closure at Grove Avenue.

• Access to all properties and care homes within this section will be maintained from the north side (Monmouth Avenue direction).

• Access to Lidl and properties up to Weymouth Bay Avenue will be from the north side.

• Vehicle access to Grove Avenue and Milton Terrace will remain available.

• Access up to the Grove Avenue/Milton Terrace junction will be available from the south side (beach end of Dorchester Road).

𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝟐

𝐖𝐞𝐲𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐁𝐚𝐲 𝐀𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐝𝐥 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 – 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝟓 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐬

The hard closure will move to the Weymouth Bay Avenue junction.

This means:

• No through vehicle access past the closure at Weymouth Bay Avenue.

• Properties north of the closure will be accessed from the Monmouth Avenue side.

• Weymouth Bay Avenue and side roads will be accessed from the south side (beach end of Dorchester Road).

𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝟑

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐝𝐥 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

To keep Lidl accessible, the work will be carried out in two halves.

𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐟 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐝𝐥 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

All vehicle access to Lidl will be from the north side of the closure.

𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐟 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐝𝐥 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

All vehicle access to Lidl will be from the south side of the closure.

𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝟒

𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐢𝐝𝐥 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞

This final section will run from the northern side of the Lidl entrance to the Monmouth Avenue junction.

This means:

• All vehicle access to Lidl will continue from the south side of the closure.

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𝐐. 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐈 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬?

For the latest information on bus route changes and diversions, please visit:

https://www.firstbus.co.uk/wessex-dorset-south-somerset/news-and-service-updates/updates/dorchester-road-closure

Posters will also be displayed at affected bus stops to direct passengers to the nearest available stop locations.

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𝐐. 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲?

The existing gas main is very old and to maintain the demand for gas in the area the pipe needs to be replaced and upsized. Replacing this pipe will help ensure a safe and reliable gas supply for homes and businesses while reducing the risk of future emergency repairs and unplanned road closures.

𝐐. 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐧'𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐛𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝?

The location of the gas main and the available road width means there is insufficient space to safely accommodate both traffic and the excavation area.

We have carefully assessed alternative traffic management options, including temporary traffic lights. However, due to the depth and location of the excavation, the presence of multiple underground utilities, and the need to maintain a safe working area for our engineers, a full road closure is the only safe option available.

Road closures are always considered a last resort and are only implemented when all other options have been thoroughly assessed and ruled out.

𝐐. 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐧'𝐭 𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝟐𝟒 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐚 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭?

These works cannot be completed during the night.

The work involves a live gas network and multiple underground utilities, requiring careful and controlled excavation.

Engineers need regular access to properties to complete service transfer work as the project progresses.

Property access cannot reasonably be achieved during the night.

The works generate significant noise and disruption, which would impact nearby residents.

Reinstatement materials to infill excavations require a minimum of 24hours to set before traffic can safely use the road.

𝐐. 𝐇𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝?

Our engineers will be working Monday to Saturday between 7:00am and 5:30pm, and additional Sunday working will be used where practical.

The project includes a large number of individual service connections to properties, which must be completed progressively as work advances along the route. Where possible, reinstatement and preparatory activities will also be undertaken at weekends.

The project has been planned and resourced to ensure works are completed as safely and as quickly as possible.

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𝐐. 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐛𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝?

Yes. Access for emergency services will be maintained throughout the closure whenever required. Their responders will be advised of the quickest response routes and our teams will support wherever needed.

𝐐. 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐛𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐲?

The work is highly specialised and takes place within a constrained working area.

Increasing the number of engineers on site would not necessarily speed up progress and could create additional safety risks. Resources will be allocated in the most effective way to ensure the works are completed as quickly and as safely as possible.

𝐐. 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞?

Engineers are not always visible or working directly within the excavation because many activities take place elsewhere to support the project.

These activities include:

• Pressure testing and commissioning work.

• Service connection work within customers' properties.

• Material collection and deliveries.

• Quality inspections.

• Preparing future sections of the works.

• Waiting for reinstatement materials to cure before work can continue.

Although engineers may not always be visible, please can we assure you they are working.

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𝐐. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞?

We understand the closures on Dorchester Road will be disruptive and road users will be using unsuitable side roads as a diversion. We will do everything we can to encourage the use of the official diversion route.

Our traffic management contractors will continue to monitor the local road network throughout the closure; they will continue to review traffic management options for side roads as works progress. Unsuitable for diversion and resident access only signage will be in place.

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𝐐. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬?

SGN's Small Business Compensation Scheme may be available to businesses that experience a genuine loss of trade as a direct result of the gas main replacement works.

Businesses wishing to make a claim should first register their intent to claim through the online application process. The claims team will then provide guidance on the information required to assess eligibility.

The scheme is independently regulated, and applicants must meet the required qualifying criteria before any claim can be approved.

𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞: Compensation | SGN Your gas. Our network.

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We will continue to provide updates throughout the project. To help manage expectations, updates will only be issued when there is new information to share.

If you need to speak to us about these works – please contact our Customer Service Team:

📧 Email: [email protected]

📞 Phone: 0800 912 1700

The team will ensure your enquiry is logged and tracked and sent to an appropriate member of the team for response.

We’d like to apologise for the disruption these essential works will cause and thank you for your continued patience and understanding.

𝐒𝐆𝐍 𝐌𝐚𝐣𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡

15/10/2026

🚌 MORE BUSES, MORE CONNECTIONS FOR DORSET!

Great news for our towns and villages!
Dorset Council has approved ambitious plans for more than 700 extra bus journeys every week, improved Saturday services and better connections for rural communities.

That could mean easier journeys to work, school, hospital appointments and our local High Streets.

Lib Dem councillor Jack Jeanes, Dorset Council's Cabinet Member for Place Services, has highlighted the importance of better transport in tackling isolation and helping people stay independent.

And a big thank you to Dorset Community Transport and the other local partners helping connect our communities.
The first improvements are planned for summer 2027.

Read more: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/news/dorset-council-approves-biggest-transport-transformation-in-a-generation

15/10/2026

Following today's severe drought declaration from the government, we are working closely with water companies, the Environment Agency, health partners, and the Local Resilience Forum to keep a close watch on the situation and prepare for any impacts in Dorset.

The declaration means organisations across the region are stepping up their work to help protect water supplies and reduce impacts on people, businesses and the environment.

We're working with partners to understand what this could mean for Dorset, prepare our services, and make sure residents receive clear information if anything changes.

Everyone can help by using water wisely and following advice from their water supplier.

07/10/2026

06/10/2026

05/10/2026

A genuinely lovely evening celebrating some of the people who make Dorset such a special place to live. 💛

I had the privilege of attending Volunteer Centre Dorset’s Volunteer Celebration Evening last week, and it was one of those evenings that leaves you feeling incredibly positive about our communities.

I met volunteers who have made an extraordinary commitment to supporting others, some of whom have been giving their time and energy to their communities for many years, even decades. I also met organisations working hard to make sure that volunteering is something that is open and accessible to everyone.

What struck me most was the sheer variety of reasons people volunteer — but underneath all of them is the same thing: they care about other people and about their community.

As someone whose work at Dorset Council has a particular focus on communities and prevention, I see just how important that is. Volunteers don't just provide practical support; they help people feel connected, valued and part of something. That can make an enormous difference to people's lives.

It was a real honour to say a few words on the evening and to help recognise some of those who give so much of their time to others.

Congratulations to all of the award winners, and thank you to every single volunteer across Dorset. There are thousands of you, and we simply couldn't do without you.

And a huge thank you to everyone at Volunteer Centre Dorset for putting together such a warm, enjoyable and uplifting evening. It was a privilege to be there. 💛

Dorset is stronger because of its volunteers. 💛

26/09/2026

However much outdoor space you have, you can make a difference for nature. 🌱

From gardens and balconies to patios and window boxes, there are simple ways to help wildlife thrive where you live.

Browse practical tips and ideas from Nature Recovery Dorset linked in the first comment and discover how small actions can support local plants, pollinators and wildlife.

10/09/2026

Dorset is a fantastic place to live, work and visit, and tourism is hugely important to our local economy.

I’m pleased to see Dorset Council launch its first county-wide Destination Management Plan, with an ambitious 10-year vision to make Dorset a year-round destination.

Supporting tourism throughout the year can help our local businesses, jobs and communities — while making sure visitors continue to have a great experience.

It’s an important step for Dorset’s future. 👇

Dorset's first ever county-wide Destination Management Plan was launched yesterday, setting out a vision for the future of tourism across the county, aiming to help Dorset grow as a year-round destination over the next 10 years.

By encouraging more visitors throughout the year, the strategy will help support local businesses, jobs and communities and improve experiences for everyone who visits Dorset.

Developed with input from tourism businesses, partners and stakeholders across the county, the plan is built on collaboration and a shared commitment to making Dorset an even better place to visit, live and work.

You can read more by clicking the link in the first comment below.

08/09/2026

08/09/2026