Don't wait, insulate! Click here for ways to save energy in your home this winter and claim a FREE 'save it' pack worth £40

The ISSF World Shotgun Cup comes to Dorset

The ISSF World Shotgun Cup comes to Dorset in just over three months time and organisers are stepping up the search for local volunteers to play a major part in the success of this prestigious event.

The event is being staged at the Southern Counties Shooting Ground near Dorchester between 11th and 20th May.

With over 400 competitors and an influx of support teams and spectators, there will be an early boost to the local tourist industry. Hotels are already taking bookings, with many visitors combining the event with a visit to the World Heritage coast.

Council Tax Rise Below Inflation

At a meeting on 2nd February, Members of the Council's Management Committee have recommended restricting the increase in Council Tax to just 2%, which is below the current rate of inflation of 2.9% and the lowest increase for Weymouth and Portland for 14 years.

In August 2009, Councillors agreed the Hard Choices programme and instructed officers to identify further efficiencies that could be made; and also identify other potential savings. The report shows that £143,000 of efficiencies have been found and a further £769,000 has been identified from other potential savings. Additional funding is also being provided for repairs and maintenance with a further £200,000 being set aside for general maintenance, and an additional £170,000 having been identified to go towards the repairs of the harbour walls.

Brand new hi–tech play area and fit station is unveiled in Westham!

Saturday 16 January saw Westham's long-awaited 'Magnet' play area unveiled by Borough Mayor Anne Kenwood. The new community facility, named 'The Green', is not just for kids – older teenagers and adults are also well catered for, with keep–fit equipment to rival any gym, and more challenging play apparatus for those who dare!

Were you at the opening? More pictures of the event can be found on the Council's new Facebook page, where you can also sign up for exclusive content and fast updates on local issues.

Many thanks to Harry Walton of View from Weymouth free newspaper for the pictures.

Have your say on private rented accommodation in Weymouth and Portland

There's a growing demand for private rented accommodation here in Weymouth and Portland, and the Council would like your views on the way the private rented sector and houses of multiple occupancy (HMOs) are regulated.

A draft Private Rented Sector Housing Policy and action plan has been developed, along with a supporting policy on Licensing and enforcement of HMOs, and now the documents are available to be viewed online. The Council is keen to work with residents to shape the Policy to suit requirements, and help address any concerns.

Follow this link to see the draft Policies and complete the survey

Fraud Alert

Residents beware – the Council have received reports of a male telephone caller claiming to be from a company offering council tax rebates and asking for bank details.

If you receive a call from anyone claiming to be from the Council, or from a company claiming to act as a third party to reclaim council tax, please do not give out any personal details and contact the police.

Safer Neighbourhood Police Officer for Weymouth, Sergeant Tony Smith, has this advice for residents: "Correspondence such as this can appear on the surface to be official but if something appears to be too good to be true, it very often is. We urge residents to always be on their guard when they receive unsolicited phone calls such as this and to not contact the company, supply any personal details and under no circumstances give out any bank account details."

Please spread the word and help us beat the fraudsters!