Articles by Amy Woodward

Please note this might not be a full list of all articles published under my name.

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.

83 tonnes of waste collected in Bournemouth over bank holiday

With record breaking temperatures over the bank holiday, thousands of tourists visited the 15 miles of coastline across the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole conurbation.

However, piles of rubbish including tents, empty bottles and cans, food packaging were left behind.

BCP Council has said that seafront and environmental services teams collected “more then 83 tonnes of waste”.

This amount is an increase of 260 per cent compared to the previous weekend (May 16 and 17) where council...

Festival music and alcohol licence going to committee

S&A Entertainment Ltd applied for a premise licence to be able to allow live and recorded music and the on sale of alcohol from 10am to 8pm on a Saturday and Sunday for the “Taste of the Caribbean Food and Drink Festival” which will be in Muscliff Park, Bournemouth.

The first event is planned for Saturday, June 20, after this the festival will run on a consecutive Saturday and Sunday for one weekend between May and September each year.

The licence only allows for a maximum of 4,999 peopl...

New padel tennis facility proposed in to fill empty industrial unit

Padel-On wants to turn Unit 1 at Bankes Heath Industrial Park, just off Wallisdown Road, into an indoor club with six double courts and two single courts, plus a café, lounge and pro shop for players.

It is proposed that the facility would be open from 6am to 11pm every day.

Planning documents show that the café and pro shop would be ancillary to the main padel use and would support customers using the padel facility.

The development would support a range of community and wellbeing a...

Plans to 'animate' Bournemouth town centre during the summer

Relevention Ltd was awarded a contract in 2024 by BCP Council to run Bournemouth Town Centre Summer Entertainment Programme. The contract is for three years with the option to extend annually for a further two years.

Plans for a temporary summer entertainment area including trader stalls, a bar and food stands in Bournemouth Square has been submitted to BCP Council.

Bournemouth Square

Planning documents show that the area will include a bar area dressed with real plants, palm trees a...

New 20mph zones to start on 139 Bournemouth roads next week

The proposed introduction of a 20mph zone in Winton is expected to improve safety for all road users, especially children, senior citizens, pedestrians and cyclists. It is also expected to reduce the number of personal and seriously injured collisions, reduce congestion and emissions and support improved air quality.

Public engagement of the proposed zone demonstrated that the majority of people living in the area support the introduction of the 20mph neighbourhood.

Winton and Moordown 2...

Seafront Mini Market allowed to sell alcohol until 11pm

Seafront Mini Market on Westover Road in Bournemouth initially applied to sell alcohol to be consumed off-site between 8am and 3am as well as allow late night refreshments from 11pm to 3am every day of the week.

After mediation took place following concerns raised by Dorset Police, the YMCA, the Council Leader and Bournemouth Central ward councillors the hours were reduced to between 8am to 11pm with no late-night refreshment offer.

Following the amended hours, Dorset Police and the Lead...

Staff and volunteers keep BCP beaches welcoming over bank holiday weekend

Hundreds of thousands of visitors came to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole over the spring bank holiday and into May half-term.

BCP Council said that behind the scenes, a huge team effort has helped make this possible.

From council staff and seafront teams to the RNLI and emergency services including Dorset Police, all partners have worked tirelessly to make sure everyone could enjoy their visit safely and leave with great memories.

Over the bank holiday weekend, 64 lost children...

Footpaths in Bournemouth to be closed

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has said it will be temporarily closing sections of public footpaths in Southbourne to allow for utility works linked to a new development.

No pedestrians or cyclists will be able to use Footpath 131 in its entirety, as well as Public Footpath 133 from its junction with St Catherine’s Road to Southbourne Coast Road from June 15 to July 10.

In addition, parking restrictions will be in place, with no waiting, loading or unloading permitted at any...

Road closures in Poole due to flood works

New flood defence works are due to begin in Poole on June 1.
The latest phase of the scheme between Poole Bridge and Hunger Hill will focus on the waterfront section between Holes Bay Path and Lifeboat Quay.
Temporary lane closures and a reduced 30mph speed limit will be introduced on the northbound A350 between Lifeboat Quay and Sterte Avenue West.
Off-peak lane closures may also be used between 9am and 3.30pm when required.
The Holes Bay footpath will close from June 1 and a diversion route vi...

Councillor raises concerns over Bournemouth shop

Moordown councillor Joe Salmon has written an open letter to Tesco’s chief executive raising concerns about the One Stop branch on Ripon Road in Bournemouth.
Councillor Salmon claims the shop has become linked to repeat shoplifting, intimidation, public disorder and antisocial behaviour.
He says residents living nearby feel unsafe and argues the store needs better security and stronger cooperation with police.
The councillor said he does not expect staff to physically confront offenders, but bel...

Poole library RAAC removal works begin

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council says contractors have begun work to remove reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, known as RAAC, from the roof space above Poole Central Library.
The library, based in the Dolphin Centre, remains open and all services are continuing as normal.
The council says there is no immediate risk to visitors or staff, but customers should expect some noise and disruption while preparations and works take place.
RAAC was previously identified in the roof of The...

Petition launched to stop parking hike at Boscombe car park

On May 8, BCP Council started consultation about increased parking charges at Boscombe Undercliff Car Park. Under the plans, the car park would operate 24 hours a day all year round, with a maximum stay of 24 hours.

From March 15 to October 31, prices would start at £3.80 for up to an hour and rise to £7.70 for up to two hours, £12.90 for up to three hours and £15.40 for up to four hours, with longer stays costing £22.90 for up to six hours and £28 for up to 24 hours.

A separate winter t...

'Unsafe' concrete roof removal at library expected to take a year

Poole Central Library is located in the Dolphin Centre and is open between 9am and 6pm Monday to Friday and from 9am to 5pm on Saturday.

The library has regular events for adults, families and children as well as free internet access, printing, photocopying and 24/7 drop box returns.

It has previously been reported that in February 2025, The Dolphin centre found Raac was used in the roof of The Hub.

Read more

Raac, or reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, is weaker than convent...

Shop becomes 'hotspot for antisocial behaviour since Tesco takeover'

Moordown Councillor Joe Salmon has written to Tesco outlining his concerns over the One Stop branch in Ripon Road.

In an open letter to Tesco CEO, Councillor Joe Salmon said: “Since Tesco took over our local shop, it has become a hotspot for antisocial behaviour and repeat shoplifting. It is now widely known locally that the store has minimal effective security and operates a “no touch” approach to theft.”

Read more

The letter goes on to say: “Residents are left dealing with intimida...

Flood defence work to close road and cut speed limit from June

The next phase of works on a scheme of works to introduce flood defences between Poole Bridge and Hunger Hill is due to start on June 1.

This phase will focus on the section of waterfront from Holes Bay Path to Lifeboat Quay.

In order for the work to be carried out motorists will see a temporary lane closure and a speed limit reduction from 40mph to 30mph from June 1 on the northbound highway of the A350 from Lifeboat Quay to Sterte Avenue West.

Off-peak lane closures will take place...

Major flood defence works to start next month in Poole

Currently more than 570 properties face a risk of flooding, if nothing is done, this figure would rise to more than 2,000 properties over the next 100 years.

A £29.4 million flood defence scheme was approved in July 2025 and is designed to reduce significant tidal flood risk to properties and infrastructure in Poole town centre, the historic Old Town and surrounding areas. It is designed to adapt with rising sea levels and support long-term regeneration.

The scheme is a collaboration bet...

Nearly 3,000 parking fines issued across BCP over bank holiday weekend

This bank holiday saw record-breaking hot weather which along with events brought hundreds of thousands of visitors to the BCP conurbation.

BCP Council has said the bank holiday weekend saw a repeat of illegal and irresponsible parking, with 2,844 PCNs issued over the three days.

The council has said there was “more than enough spare capacity at our car parks a short walk away from town centres and beaches”.

This comes at a time when the council continues to call on the Government to...

Council leader comments on plans to expand Vitality Stadium being approved

On May 22, a proposal to expand Vitality Stadium were unanimously approved by an eastern planning committee.

Following the approval, Councillor Millie Earl, leader of BCP Council, said in a statement: “What a week for AFC Bournemouth. The club’s progress on the pitch has now been matched by this significant milestone off it, following BCP Council’s Planning Committee’s approval for the redevelopment of the Vitality Stadium.

Read more

“AFC Bournemouth’s success is a source of pride fo...

BCP urges powers for tourist tax

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council is urging the Government to allow councils like BCP to introduce an overnight visitor levy.
The charge, often referred to as a tourist tax, would apply to overnight stays in hotels, holiday lets and B&Bs.
The Government announced plans for an Overnight Visitor Levy in the Autumn Budget in November 2025, with the policy reiterated in the King’s Speech on May 13.
BCP Council says more than 10 million people visit the area each year, placing pressure on s...

Adventure Wonderland plans face refusal

Adventure Wonderland could remain partly undeveloped after planning officers recommended refusing proposals for a mixed-use leisure and tourism scheme.
The former family theme park closed before parts of the site were taken over by organisations including Diverse Abilities, Merritown and Discovery Village.
The latest plans include gardens, outdoor play areas, mini golf, reopening the café and shop, and retaining the maze.
Part of the application also seeks retrospective permission for an airport...

Car free development of 20 flats in Bournemouth recommended for approval

In January 2025, Cliffton Development Ltd submitted a planning application to demolish two properties with commercial space at ground floor level and flats above on Holdenhurst Road in Bournemouth, with plans to build a three-storey block of 20 flats including bin and cycle storage.

An officers report shows the development will provide six flats, a bin store and a cycle store on the ground floor, six flats each on the first and second floors, and two flats on the third floor. All flats will...

Poole's first Reform mayor and deputy mayor voted into office

At the new town council’s first meeting on Thursday, 21 May, councillors voted in the mayor and deputy mayor for the next twelve months.

Tracey Newman, Reform UK councillor for Old Town and Baiter was elected as mayor.

In her speech Cllr Newman said: “Standing here today as your 778th mayor is an immense honour.

“For 25 years my life has been rooted in our High Street. Running a business has taught me that Poole’s greatest strength isn’t just it’s famous harbour and beautiful coastli...

Council urging for powers to introduce tourist tax in BCP

The government announced an Overnight Visitor Levy, known as a ‘tourist tax’ during the Autumn Budget in November 2025.

The policy was reiterated as part of the King’s Speech on May 13.

The levy will bring England in line with Scotland and Wales, where local authorities can already raise a tourist tax if they want.

The charge would affect overnight trips to hotels; holiday lets and B&Bs.

Read more

As previously reported, Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council has written...

Animal licence fees to rise in BCP

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has approved increases to animal licensing fees.
The changes affect businesses and activities including dog breeding, animal boarding, pet shops, hiring out horses, animal exhibitions, zoos and dangerous wild animals.
A standard animal activity licence will rise from £447 to £465, plus any additional vet fees.
Zoo licences will increase from £177 to £184, while dangerous wild animal licences will rise from £533 to £554.
A new £465 charge is also being...
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Work Experience 2022-2025

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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'...

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>...

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...

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...

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...

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...

'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...

'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 

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...

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

"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

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

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

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.

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

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