Sherborne Town Council

30/04/2026

29/04/2026

Following last Sunday's fire at Newell House, we have been advised that Dorset Council is introducing an emergency road closure of the A30 in Sherborne (from the junction of Acreman Street to the junction of Marston Road) to support emergency services and ensure public safety. Inspections by both building control surveyors and independent structural engineers have identified the need for a more permanent road closure and diversion route to enable emergency works to stabilise the building and keep the public safe.

A revised road closure, including advisory diversion routes and any suspended parking arrangements, will be implemented today.
The latest update from Building Control indicates that the closure will remain in place until 17 May 2026.

For full details of affected roads, approved diversion routes, and parking suspensions, please visit:
https://one.network/?GB149873215. Please note the red dotted lines shown on Cheap St and Digby Rd are there for when the Sherborne Market takes place and not due to the works around Newell House.

The diversion route is designed to manage traffic safely and minimise disruption as much as possible. Road users are strongly encouraged to follow the signed diversion routes and allow extra time for their journeys.

We thank residents, businesses, and road users for their patience and cooperation while these essential safety measures are in place.

28/04/2026

The Annual Parish Meeting will take place at 7pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026 at The Digby Hall, Hound Street.

A copy of the agenda can be seen here:https://sherborne-tc.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Annual-Parish-Meeting-Agenda-28-April-2026-1.pdf

This meeting is open to all and we encourage you to come along to hear what the local council and community groups have achieved over the last year.

27/04/2026

Following the fire at Newell House School on Sunday the 26th of April, Dorset Police has deployed additional officers to Sherborne to assist with traffic management and reassure Sherborne residents.

27/04/2026

Sherborne Town Council is deeply saddened by the recent fire at the Grade II listed former Newell House School. This historic building, which has stood as part of our community’s heritage for generations, has unfortunately fallen into disrepair in recent years.

As a privately owned property, it has long been a source of concern as a magnet for persistent anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

In response to the incident, we are working closely with our statutory partners, placing public safety as the highest priority. We want to reassure residents that all necessary steps are being taken to address the risks posed by the site and to prevent further harm or disruption to the community.

Following the fire, the situation has escalated to a critical public safety issue. We are urging Dorset Council to take immediate and decisive action, which may include enforcement measures or, if required, the compulsory purchase of the property. We want to ensure the site is made safe as quickly as possible and to facilitate its return to productive use within the community.

Sherborne Town Council continues to liaise with Dorset Council and other statutory agencies to support efforts. We understand that Dorset Police has launched a formal investigation into the circumstances of the fire and all information or evidence provided by the public will be treated with the utmost seriousness. We encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist the authorities in their inquiries.

Dorset Council is actively managing the local transport network to minimise disruption and ensure the safety of residents and visitors. A Temporary Road Closure Notice has now been issued to secure the area around Newell House. Updates regarding road closures, diversions and access arrangements will be communicated as soon as they become available. The council appreciates the understanding and cooperation of the public during this challenging time and will continue to keep the community informed of all developments as the situation progresses.

27/04/2026

Join the Sherborne in Bloom team in the early evening of Tuesday 5th May, to plant some hanging baskets that give the centre of Sherborne stunning colour over the summer months.

Please use the email address in the poster below to let them know you would like to be there so they can allocate the space accordingly.

23/04/2026

22/04/2026

Free digital advice sessions in Sherborne

Our volunteers haven’t been able to run sessions while the library has been closed, BUT we are now pleased to annouce that the Cross Keys hotel are very kindly allowing us to run a session there on a Friday morning.

So, if you know someone who needs help with their digital device? Do you or a friend have a technical issue you’d like solved? Want to learn more about online services such as booking GP appointments or applying for benefits online?

Then Dorset Council’s volunteer digital champions are ready to help you in at The Cross Keys hotel.

They hold bookable face-to-face sessions at the The Cross Keys on Fridays, appointments at 9 o'clock, 10 o’clock and 11 o’clock

To book an appointment call 01305 221048.

Thank you so much to the Cross Keys for all your help with this.

21/04/2026

20/04/2026

Three new service level agreements have been approved by Sherborne Town Council to help with funding for local community groups in the town.

The Rendezvous, Sherborne Town Band and Sherborne Area Youth and Community Centre (SAYCC), also known as Tinney’s Youth Club will receive funding totalling £92,000, which will be drawn down over a period of four-years.

The Rendezvous helps young people take practical steps towards education, work, and a brighter future by rebuilding confidence, improving mental health and providing accredited learning.
CEO, Helen Da Silva Wood, said: “This is an extremely challenging time for funding charities such as ours, therefore news of continued support from Sherborne Town Council is incredibly welcome. We face increasing demand for our services, with a current waiting list, but are proud of the many successes local young people achieve after accessing our help.”

Sherborne Town Band first started entertaining the people of Sherborne and surrounding towns and villages in 1961. It is a 1st Section Brass Band and has a youth band, which is an integral part of its community work.

Melonie Brunton, secretary for the Sherborne Town Band said that without the money it may not be possible to keep tuition, instruments and music free for young people who want to be able to play but would struggle to meet the costs involved.
The SAYCC is used by a wide range of community groups including Ups and Downs Southwest - a Down Syndrome Support Charity, Open Gate - for adults with learning difficulties, the U3A as well as Tinney’s Youth Club.

Sue Thomas-Peter, one of the trustees of the SAYCC, commented that the money would enable them to keep costs down, making the youth club more accessible which is a big priority for them.
SLAs are formal documents that define the expected level of service between the town council and the community group. Clear standards, responsibilities and reporting requirements are set out which helps both parties understand what is expected and how service delivery will be measured. This leads to better services, stronger partnerships, and improved outcomes for the community.

Steve Shield, Town Clerk stated "On behalf of Sherborne Town Council, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to these organisations for the outstanding work they do in our community. We are proud to support their vital efforts, which make a real difference to the lives of our residents."

15/04/2026

The Sherborne Community Fridge has been restocked!

📍At The Pod on Cheap Street.

Another week at the COMMUNITY FRIDGE and we have plenty of greens after re-stocking this morning.