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Articles by Amy Woodward

Bournemouth Local Democracy Reporter

Here you can view the work i had published as Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Local Democracy Reporter on sites such as; Bournemouth Echo, Dorset Echo, Bournemouth One, Greatest Hits, and BBC News.

Bournemouth Echo •

Public quayside near Twin Sails among latest plans submitted for BCP area

A & E Brown, Vereley Homes Ltd has submitted a planning application for 7-9 Salterns Way, Poole, BH14 8JR to demolish the existing house and outbuilding and build two detached houses with associated parking, access and landscaping. Planning application number P/2503775/FUL

10 Corfe View Road, Poole, BH14 8SX, has submitted a planning application to redevelop the existing bungalow and detached garage to create a self-build two storey family dwelling with a habitable loft, back balcony, raised...
Bournemouth Echo •

What we know about BCP town and parish councils so far as plans approved

Final recommendations from a consultation on community governance and showed that the council wanted to establish town councils in Broadstone, Bournemouth and Poole – despite roughly 75 per cent of respondents objecting.

Here is what we know so far about the proposed town councils:

What is currently in place across Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole?

In 2019 the three borough councils became a unitary authority (BCP Council)

Bournemouth and Poole have Charter Trustees which are p...
Bournemouth Echo •

Controversial new town councils approved after four-hour debate

Councillors approved the plan after a tense four-hour long debate on Tuesday night (October 14), which saw the tempers of both councillors and members of the public flare.

There were concerns that the plans would be costly, add unwanted layers of government, and about the lack of information available to residents.

The public gallery was full throughout the debate, and the public had to be reminded on several occasions that while the meeting was being held in public, the public were not...
Bournemouth One •

Three new town councils approved after long debate

Three new town councils will be created in Bournemouth, Broadstone and Poole following a tense meeting of councillors on Tuesday night.
After nearly four hours of debate, the plan was narrowly approved despite strong opposition from councillors and members of the public. Concerns were raised about cost, bureaucracy, and the lack of information shared with residents before the decision was made.
The public gallery was full throughout, and attendees were reminded several times that although the me...
Greatest Hits Radio •

Greens to oppose town councils plan

Green Party councillors will oppose establishing new town councils instead calling for community investment.BCP Councils Green group will vote against new town councils in Bournemouth, Poole and Broadstone, saying “plans are being pushed from the top down and will not deliver what local communities really need”. The group says that town and parish councils only work when they grow naturally from within communities, not when they are imposed. Adding that cuts from central government over the year...
Greatest Hits Radio •

Bournemouth Airport expansion plans approved

Bournemouth Airport has received approval by BCP Council to expand its terminal in a huge £50million investment.The approval followed a 8-1 decision by BCP Council’s Eastern Planning Committee. A phased plan involves joining the departure and arrival buildings to allow for a single terminal were submitted to the committee. The plans also show four extensions for the terminal building, three of which will take place in the first phase, and a reconfigured transport interchange. As part of the reco...
Greatest Hits Radio •

Twin Sails Bridge closed following 'abnormal creaking noises'

The Twin Sails Bridge between Hamworthy and Poole will be closed for the next month due to ‘abnormal creaking sounds’. A routine inspection on Tuesday 26th August 2025 found the lifting mechanism was ‘unsafe to operate’ – it’s been lifted ever since. It's not the first time this has happened, as last year the bridge was closed for almost three months. The bridge, which runs between Hamworthy and Poole Town Centre, has been in an upright position since August 26. The decision was made by BCP coun...
Greatest Hits Radio •

Increasing number fined for misuse of disabled parking bays

Drivers in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are increasingly being fined for misusing disabled parking bays.Data from a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by Evans Halshaw, shows the number of fines given out by BCP Council has risen by 91% in the last five years, with a total of 24,837 fines being handed out since 2019. The fines were issued for both on and off-street parking, a total of 5,632 fines were issued in 2024 to drivers who parked in disabled bays without a blue badge. 4438 fines...
Greatest Hits Radio •

Airport expansion plays could be given green light by planners

Plans to extend Bournemouth International Airport will be discussed during a planning meeting today.The proposed development involves joining the departure and arrival buildings to allow for a single terminal. The plans also show four extensions for the terminal building, and a reconfigured transport interchange which will be delivered in two phases. Phase one is labelled Summer 26A and will see three extensions; one for a permanent baggage claim attached to the south side of departures, a small...
Bournemouth Echo •

New 20mph neighbourhood could be introduced in Bournemouth

Winton and surrounding areas, including parts of Charminster, Moordown and Talbot Woods are the first area selected for the 20mph scheme which was approved by Council in April 2024

The consultation took place between March 18 and April 28 and collected responses from households and individuals.

The results of the consultation show that 50 percent of households in the proposed area support a new 20mph neighbourhood.

Individual results were split between those living in the area and th...
Bournemouth One •

BCP backs plant-based policy for cabinet

A new Plant-Based Action Plan has been unanimously approved by BCP Council’s overview and scrutiny committee and will now go to Cabinet on 29 October.
The policy outlines eleven steps to encourage more plant-based eating across council services and local schools. Among the measures are plans to introduce a vegan day, ensure meetings offer at least one vegan option, and require council-run food outlets to serve a minimum of 25 percent plant-based meals.
Major catered events will also need to inc...
Bournemouth Echo •

'The Conservative Party is no longer our home' say new Reform pair

That’s the message from Duane Farr and Cameron Adams, who last week became Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council’s first Reform councillors.

Cllr Farr and cllr Adams defected to Reform on October 7.

The pair were part of a group of twenty formerly Conservative councillors from across the country to defect during Conservative party conference.

(Image: Newsquest)

In a joint statement, Cllr Farr and Cllr Adams said, “We have made the decision that the Conservative Party is no...
Bournemouth Echo •

Nigtclub licensing application approved despite residents objections

Cameo nightclub, Fir Vale Road in Bournemouth, BH1 2LZ, has been granted permission to vary its premises licence following a licensing committee meeting held on October 2. The application included three key changes to reducing the overall size of the venue, undertaking internal renovations, and relocating the main entrance which would change the address to be on Glen Fern Road.

Despite objections from nearby residents, particularly those at St Peter’s Court who raised concerns about noise an...
Bournemouth One •

Gas works in Poole delayed after equipment damaged

Gas main replacement works on Upton Road in Poole have been delayed after damage was caused to operational machinery earlier this week.
Southern Gas Network (SGN) confirmed that “significant damage was caused on Monday night to our operational machinery by an unknown source.”
The company said the incident has been reported to the police and is now under investigation.
The delay means the start of the project has been pushed back while replacement machinery is arranged. SGN has also announced th...
Bournemouth Echo •

"Residents deserve answers, not just jumping on bandwagons”

BCP Councils Green group will vote against new town councils in Bournemouth, Poole and Broadstone, saying “plans are being pushed from the top down and will not deliver what local communities really need”.

The group says that town and parish councils only work when they grow naturally from within communities, not when they are imposed. Adding that cuts from central government over the years has left local authorities under pressure and new town councils will defect from problems rather than...
Bournemouth Echo •

Councillors urged to 'stand with the people' against more councils

The recommendation to establish three new town councils in Bournemouth, Broadstone and Poole will be debated in a full council meeting on October 14.

Results of the consultation shows that an average of 74 per cent of respondents opposed all six councils.

Read more

Seventy six per cent of residents were against Bournemouth Town Council; 67 per cent were against Broadstone Town Council and 65 per cent were against Poole Town Council.

Councillor Judes Butt, leader of Poole Engage G...
BBC News •

Poole flood defence construction delayed until 2026

Works on a £29.4m flood defence project have been paused as planning conditions and a marine licence have not been signed off.Plans for a continuous flood defence along 1.5km of Poole's waterfront were approved in July and are designed to reduce the significant risk of a tidal flood.Councillor Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for climate response, environment and energy at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, announced heavy construction has been delayed while the necessary permissio...
Bournemouth Echo •

Security concerns caused Jewish exhibition postponement

The Russell-Cotes Museum planned to host an exhibition on Jewish Life in Bournemouth (1880–2020) from November 25, 2025, to March 15, 2026.

However, emails released in a Freedom of Information request show concerns over security led to its postponement.

On May 23, museum manager Sarah Newman emailed councillor Kieron Wilson and museum Chair Stuart Bartholomew, asking to “discuss security issues around the scheduled Jewish exhibition.”

In an email on August 4 Ms Newman said: “I unders...
Bournemouth Echo •

4,000 sign petition calling for parish and town councils bid to be stopped

‘Stop Parish and Town Councils until 2027 – let residents decide’ is calling on BCP Council to defer any decisions on introducing new parish and town councils in Broadstone, Bournemouth and Poole until the next local elections in May 2027.

The petition says that the Community Governance Review risks creating unnecessary upheaval, higher council tax bills, and deeper divisions within communities.

Currently 3,714 residents have signed the petition, nearly double the amount which took part...
BBC News •

Hampshire and Dorset councillors defect from the Tories to Reform UK

Hampshire and Dorset councillors are among 20 Conservatives to have announced they are defecting to Reform UK.Lymington councillor Barry Dunning, who sits on Hampshire County Council, said it was his "freedom-day", as the move was made during the four-day Conservative Party Conference.Kinson ward councillors Duane Farr and Cameron Adams will now become the first from Reform UK to sit on Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council. And Basingstoke and Deane Borough councillor, Paul Miller,...
Bournemouth Echo •

HMO plans opposite school receive dozens of objections

An application for 95 Charminster Avenue Bournemouth BH9 1RU was submitted on September 16 by Mr Kyle Lloyd the applicant and Mr Daniel Wilden, Pure Town Planning and agent.

The application shows plans for a loft conversion which would include dormer window and roof light.

The alterations to the loft would also be accompanied by changing the use of the building from a single dwellinghouse to an eight person House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).

Since the application was submitted, 56 o...
Bournemouth Echo •

Tennis club wants to build access road and parking area

45 Chatsworth Road, Bournemouth, BH8 8SL, has submitted an application for a Lawful Development Certificate for Existing Use  or Operations to confirm the use of the property as a House of Multiple Occupants.  Planning application number P/25/02739/CLE

Former Public Conveniences, 1A Adastral Square, Poole, BH17 8SA has submitted an application for a change of use going from a public convenience to a storage and material distribution centre with a show room for appointment only clients, as we...
Bournemouth Echo •

Two BCP councillors defect to Reform

Councillor Cameron Adams and Councillor Duane Farr have left the Conservative Group and joined Reform UK.

Cllr Adams and Cllr Farr are the first to sit on the council as Reform members.

The announcement comes out on the last day of the Conservative Party Autumn Conference, with Reform UK putting a post out on X welcoming the two new councillors to the party.

The move follows two defections over the summer from former Labour Party councillors. Cllr Gillian Martin and Cllr Michelle Dow...
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Work Experience 2022-2025

Express.co.uk •

We run UK's 'best pie and mash shop' – customers come all the way from Australia

Often referred to as the original street food, pie and mash is a cockney classic and a staple of British cuisine - but the number of shops are dwindling. However, M. Manze, which constantly crops up on lists of the best pie and mash shops in the country, is changing with the times and continuing to thrive despite recent challenges. const loadOvpScript=()=>{let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=118222&vp_content=plembed3a6btjkn...
Express.co.uk •

The green pigeon that's become 'a tourist attraction'—but experts share concerns

Clips showing a bright green pigeon are going viral on the video-sharing social media platform TikTok, amassing millions of views and prompting people to flock to Northampton town centre in the hopes of seeing the unusually coloured bird. While the reason behind its colour isn't yet known for certain, it is believed it may have been dyed or painted green. const loadOvpScript=()=>{let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=118222&vp...
Express.co.uk •

Locals living next to £286m prison fume as rowdy inmates cause chaos

Residents in Glen Parva, Leicestershire have said their lives have been made a living hell by Britain’s newest prison. The category C retainment centre opened in May 2023, replacing Glen Parva Youth Offenders institute and houses 1,700 prisoners who are near the end of their sentences. const loadOvpScript=()=>{let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=118222&vp_content=plembed3a6btjknzwqh&cbuster=%%CACHEBUSTER%%&playerApiId=v11822...
Express.co.uk •

The 19 beaches named 'worst in England' due to major issue - full list

Each year, the Environment Agency tests 455 stretches of beach and rates the quality between poor and excellent. The samples taken reveal how much the water has been polluted with faecal matter from things like sewage, livestock, wildlife, birds and road drainage. In 2025 an additional six beaches were given "Brown Flag" status. const loadOvpScript=()=>{let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=118222&vp_content=plembed3a6btjknzwq...
Express.co.uk •

Locals living next to £286m prison fume as rowdy inmates cause chaos

Residents in Glen Parva, Leicestershire have said their lives have been made a living hell by Britain’s newest prison. The category C retainment centre opened in May 2023, replacing Glen Parva Youth Offenders institute and houses 1,700 prisoners who are near the end of their sentences. const loadOvpScript=()=>{let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=118222&vp_content=plembed3a6btjknzwqh&cbuster=%%CACHEBUSTER%%&playerApiId=v11822...
Express.co.uk •

The pretty little UK town named 'best place to live' in north of England in 2025

A picturesque town located in the south of the Yorkshire Dales has been named the best place to live in the North of England. Ilkley, West Yorkshrie, is an old spa town in Wharfe Valley just outside Bradford, admired for its moorlands, countryside and architecture. const loadOvpScript=()=>{let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=118222&vp_content=plembed3a6btjknzwqh&cbuster=%%CACHEBUSTER%%&playerApiId=v118222');document.getEleme...
Express.co.uk •

Iconic British author who only wrote 1 classic book died penniless in Paris

After contracting an ear infection and developing acute meningitis, Oscar Wilde died penniless in Paris. Despite only writing one novel in his lifetime, Wilde’s works are still read and he is considered one of the most famous names in literature. const loadOvpScript=()=>{let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=118222&vp_content=plembed425dykqrwsxp&cbuster=%%CACHEBUSTER%%&playerApiId=v118222');document.getElementById('ovp-primis'...
Express.co.uk •

Woman sparks fury after admitting 'being a mum ruined my career'

A woman who unexpectedly fell pregnant in 2023 has been accused of being a bad mum after she admitted having a baby ruined her career. const loadOvpScript=()=>{let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=118222&vp_content=plembed3a6btjknzwqh&cbuster=%%CACHEBUSTER%%&playerApiId=v118222');document.getElementById('ovp-primis').appendChild(el);if('onscrollend' in window){document.addEventListener("scrollend",(event)=>{if(window.scrollY>...
Express.co.uk •

Fury as UK council spending a whopping £5k a day on empty offices

A council's headquarters have been closed and vacant for more than a year but taxpayers are still paying for the building. Nearly £2million was spent of Worcestershire County Council taxpayer money on maintaining disused property last year. The staggering figure is around £5,300 a day and includes a £390,000 payment on a study to assess the building feasibility. The slammed council is currently run by a minority Reform coalition which is two seats short of a majority following May's local electi...
Greatest Hits Radio (Bristol & The South West) •

UPFEST painting mural on Bristol double decker bus

A Bristol double decker bus is being spray painted with street art to promote popular festival UPFEST.First Bus in partnership with the organisers will be showcasing artwork from one of Bristol’s legendary street artists Cheo. The design will feature the most iconic landmarks from across Bristol and the West of England using Cheo's signature cartoon style. Event organisers say partnering with First Bus is a great way for UPFEST to bring the festival to the community and brighten up Bristol’s bus...
Greatest Hits Radio (Bristol & The South West) •

West Country cider maker works with Bristol Uni to preserve apples

A West Country-based cider maker is working with the University of Bristol on a set of 'groundbreaking' research into the preservation of apples.It has all been prompted by the worsening climate, with their efforts alongside Sandford Orchards in Devon particularly looking at varieties of the fruit which are unique or threatened - as, of course, apples are the beating heart of the industry.Devon is said to be a perfect micro-climate for cider apples, and is home to the country’s oldest mill and o...
Gloucestershire Live •

My tips for disabled students thinking about university

Gloucestershire Live as been working alongside journalism students at the University of Gloucestershire. We have recently taken the time to come into the university's Park Campus in Cheltenham and use the space we've been provided as a newsroom.

Below, one of the students we have worked with, Amy Woodward, 21, has written her own experience on living with Aniridia (lack of an iris and having better vision at close range) and also advice for any young person considering university with similar c...
Gloucestershire Live •

'My life in Cheltenham as a disabled person'

Over the past month, Gloucestershire Live has been teaming up with journalism students at the University of Gloucestershire. We've recently spent time at its Park Campus in Cheltenham, using the space provided as a newsroom.

One of the students we've worked with, Amy Woodward, 21, has written a first-person piece on life as a disabled person. Amy is a second year student as she explores what life is like living with a visual impairment.

You can read her piece below. If you would like to share...
Gloucestershire Live •

'I'm visually impaired and people just vanish when they see my white cane'

Over the past month, Gloucestershire Live has been teaming up with journalism students at the University of Gloucestershire. We've recently spent time at its Park Campus in Cheltenham, using the space provided as a newsroom.

One of the students we've worked with, Amy Woodward, 21, has written an interview with Derek, a resident of Woodmancote near Bishop's Cleeve. Both Amy and Derek are blind.

Interviewing him at home, Amy explores what it is like to be a blind person and brings up some key di...

University Work

Explore work I produced during University news days 

Gltwenties •

Update: Prime Ministers in Their Own Words: Boris Johnson Fails to Impress in Gloucestershire

The day has arrived when Boris Johnson is coming to town… but who will be there to see him? This time last week 53% of tickets hadn’t sold and with less then twelve hours to go 43% of tickets remain unsold.He is coming to the event to promote his new book Unleashed, a tale covering Johnson political career from becoming Mayor of London through to his time as Prime Minister handling Brexit and Covid. Critics are divided over whether the book is full of Johnson blowing his own trumpet or if he is...
Gltwenties •

Jess Philips Discusses MP Safety and Social Media at the Cheltenham Lit Fest

is time five years ago, at this exact festival, Jess Philips received the news of the death of fellow parliamentarian David Amos who was stabbed at his constituency surgery Southend. Coming back to talk about her new book, Let’s Be Honest, she discusses the last 14 years of government, her own experience of government so far and the importance of safety - for not only ordinary people, but for MPs and the affect that social media is having.
Gltwenties •

Prime Ministers Time in Office: in Their Own Words

Over 50% of tickets for Boris Johnson’s Literature Festival talk on his memoir Unleashed, haven’t sold.Boris Johnson was one of five Conservative Prime Ministers in the last 14 years. During his time in office, scandal after scandal surfaced from the prorogation of Parliament to Partygate, making him possibly one of the most controversial Prime Minister's of recent times. His book covers the highs and lows of his political career from Brexit to COVID and concludes that Britain is an exceptional...

Marketing Internship NCW 2021-2022

Explore some of the work I did for my school’s marketing department between 2021-2022

New College Worcester •

The annual MCC v NCW Cricket Match is back!

There are many school events that as a community, we all enjoy and look forward to during the summer.

One of those events is of course the annual MCC v NCW Cricket Match!

It was a beautiful day for this year’s match, with the sun shining and a light breeze. As the MCC team donned their variety of Sim Specs, the spectators took their places for what is always a fun, but hard-fought competition.

Clive Spencer acted as umpire, and Lynne Newell from the Worcester Old Elizabethans as the scorer.
New College Worcester •

Raising awareness of Retinoblastoma

This week, 7 – 14 May, is Retinoblastoma Awareness Week.

Retinoblastoma is a type of eye cancer which can most commonly be found in babies and young children and is often spotted by having a white pupil. The condition can cause people to lose one or both eyes, and has significant psychological and physical impact.

Sixth Form student Samih has been blind from the age of 2 due to Retinoblastoma. “It can feel quite isolating because people with Retinoblastoma are a minority within the vision impa
New College Worcester •

Mental Health Awareness Week

From 9 – 15 May, the UK will be celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week – a week which aims to inspire action to promote messages of good mental health for everyone. The event has continued to grow each year with more and more focus being put on to mental health, and is now one of the biggest awareness weeks across the UK!

Last year, the theme given to the week was surrounding nature which was particularly important given the pandemic. This year’s theme is loneliness. This is because of the de
New College Worcester •

We Will Rock You!

For the last few months, the corridors of school at NCW have been filled with the sound of rock music and singing – it could only be the rehearsals for the We Will Rock You school production!

Staff and students involved in this year’s exciting production have been rehearsing relentlessly, and finally presented their hard work to the school community and parents on Thursday 10th and Friday 11th March.

We Will Rock You tells the story of a globalised future where the world doesn’t have music. A
New College Worcester •

Children's Mental Health Week 2022

From 7 – 13 February 2022, it is Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. The theme for this year is growing together; this is about growing emotionally and finding ways to help each other out. It has made me reflect on how NCW helps young people who are not only VI, but who also suffer with mental health issues.

Vision impaired students can suffer with a range of different mental health conditions, especially coming to NCW from mainstream environments – feelings of worry, social isolation and
New College Worcester •

"If you work hard, you will get something big out of it!"

Year 13 student Jack joined NCW in September 2014, and has been on a real journey in his time at college – growing in such confidence and independence.

Back in 2010, Jack suffered from a brain tumour which was removed surgically. Soon after the operation, Jack sadly developed meningitis and wasn’t given much hope for the future from his consultants in terms of being able to stand and walk again. The after effects of the surgery has had an impact on Jack’s sight as well as his balance and streng
New College Worcester •

Students experience pottery with Museum of Royal Worcester

On Wednesday 24 November, Year 7 and 8 students had the wonderful opportunity to have a pottery session with visitors from the Museum of Royal Worcester.

Visitors Kay and Louise brought with them the pop up museum, and were able to let students have an afternoon exploring the creative work from well-known Royal Worcester Porcelain. Students delved into holding rare and decorative pieces from their collection, some of which dated all the way back to the 18th century!

One museum piece was a spec
New College Worcester •

Experimenting with a new Van de Graaff generator!

The NCW Physics department have got a new Van de Graaff generator, and have been busy investigating the effects of charging a student!

A Van de Graaff generator is an electrostatic generator which removes electrons from the dome, moves them along a belt and takes them to the bottom of the generator. The positive charges left are spread out on the surface of the sphere.

Mr Stark charged up the Van de Graaff by spinning a wheel which turned the belt and transferred the electrons away from the me
New College Worcester •

Amy's University Lowdown!

Every student who wants to go to university has to go through the same process when considering where they want to go and what course they want to study. When you have a disability, this process can be made even more complicated – you have to consider various different aspects to get the best out of the opportunities available.

Recently I have been visiting different universities in order to help me decide where I want to study after I have finished sixth form. I’m looking to study Journalism.
New College Worcester •

Students receive visit from Slam Poets for National Poetry Day

In celebration of National Poetry Day, Dr Jack McGowen and Ruth Stacey from the University of Worcester Creative Writing Department, paid NCW students a visit on Friday 8 October.

Both Jack and Ruth have been writing for a number of years spanning across various writing forms and genres. Students were delighted to sit and listen to poems, as well as having a go at writing their own.

Sixth Form student Amy took the opportunity to interview the creative writers to find out why they enjoy writing
New College Worcester •

Sixth Formers experience Hamilton on the Westend

Early on Sunday 19 September, a cold and rainy morning, a group of Sixth Formers were preparing to go on a trip to the Westend to see Hamilton the musical.

The idea came about earlier in the year during a drama lesson, where the class were having a discussion about what a great experience it would be to go and see Hamilton on the Westend.

Drama Teacher, Mrs Madden, managed to get tickets and a group of five students (Amy, Samih, Ethan, Martha and Jack) and five staff members were off on a min