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.

Driver with serious convictions seeks taxi licence

A taxi driver with three serious convictions is being considered for a new licence by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council in a private session.
The driver, whose identity has not been disclosed, previously had his licence revoked by Christchurch Borough Council over a decade ago after failing to inform the authority about his offences and subsequent convictions, as required by licensing rules.
This omission led to a committee hearing and the loss of his licence, with a later appeal dism...

Driver with three serious convictions seeking new taxi licence

BCP Council reviewed the application during an exempt session on July 8.

The driver, whose name has not been released, previously had his licence revoked by Christchurch Borough Council more than a decade ago.

A BCP Council report said: “The driver did not advise the Christchurch Borough Council of the initial offences for which he had been charged or later the criminal convictions which are recorded on the Enhanced DBS Certificate as would have been required by the Licensing Authority.”...

Poole railway station could be moved to help regenerate town centre

The future of the railway station will be looked at as part of a wider Local Transport Plan (LTP4), which aims to address the needs and priorities of the surrounding area’s residents and businesses.

Documents show the council will “review opportunities for new or relocated train stations in BCP to support housing and employment growth”.

It states: “Poole is founded on its distinct maritime heritage, with its world-renowned harbour and leisure destination of Poole Quay.

“The town has...

Sustainable transport links to Bournemouth Airport could be improved under new plans

The initiative, which is part of a wider Local Transport Plan (LTP4), aims to address the needs and priorities of the surrounding area’s residents and businesses.

Documents detailing the full transport plan show the need to boost links to the airport, supporting economic growth, freight efficiency, and ‘sustainable development’.

Plans prioritise enhancing connections to key road routes, including the A338, B3073, and A347.

Initial steps in the project focus on upgrading traffic signa...

Plans to reopen Hamworthy branch line for freight put forward

This proposal is part of a wider Local Transport Plan (LTP4), aims to address the needs and priorities of the surrounding area’s residents and businesses.

The plan shows that a package of measures is being proposed to improve access on the local road network and sustainable travel to the Port of Poole to support the economic growth plans, alongside investments to facilitate goods movements by rail to and from the port via the provision of a new intermodal facility and reinstatement of freigh...

10 things you need to know about BCP Council’s new 15-year transport plan

The Local Transport Plan 2026 to 2041 (LTP4) sets out the council’s long-term vision for how people move around the conurbation, with a focus on accessibility, sustainability and reducing reliance on private cars. It outlines both immediate priorities and longer-term ambitions, with many schemes expected to come forward in phases depending on funding and consultation.

Here are ten key points from the plan:

The Local Transport Plan 2026 to 2041 (LTP4) sets out the council’s long-term vision...

Plans propose relocating Poole train station

Poole railway station could be moved as part of plans to help regenerate the town centre, according to new council documents.
The proposal forms part of the Local Transport Plan, which is being developed to address the needs and priorities of residents and businesses in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area. The council will review opportunities for new or relocated train stations to support housing and employment growth.
The documents highlight Poole’s maritime heritage and the potentia...

Plans for new ‘Dorset Metro’ being explored to improve rail connectivity

The proposed Dorset Metro is part of the wider Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP) Council’s Local Transport Plan (2026–2041), which was co-created with Dorset Council.

The route is proposed to connect Wareham and Brockenhurst and deliver a “turn up and go” rail service with more frequent trains for passengers across the region.

It forms part of a broader vision to improve rail connectivity between south-east Dorset, the BCP area, and southern Hampshire.

Train (Image from Tran...

Major roadworks in town centre ‘on track’ as new shelters set to be built

In May, BCP Council started work on Gervis Place as part of their bus service improvement plan which will see the road, bus routes, and pedestrian spaces improved.

A public consultation on the proposed improvements showed that 72 per cent of respondents supported the objectives of the upgrade, which included improved bus journey times and providing two-way bus movements along Old Christchurch Road.

It is understood that the road closure will be in place until February 2027.

It has be...

“It breaks my heart” – Councillor criticises Nigel Farage resignation and by-election

Nigel Farage announced he would be resigning as an MP, triggering the by-election in Clacton, where he confirmed he would be standing.

He remains under investigation by Parliament’s standards commissioner for not declaring a £5 million gift he received from Christopher Harbourne, a British cryptocurrency investor, before his election.

Nigel Farage said during his announcement that he has “done nothing wrong” and the investigation into him by the parliamentary standards watchdog is “being...

Education Secretary praises ‘significant progress’ in SEND services

The Education Secretary has praised progress across the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) area, leading to the removal of a statutory direction for the BCP Local Area Partnership.

This will now be replaced with an improvement notice, the change reflects new confidence in the work being carried out across education, health and care services in the area.

Bridget Phillipson, secretary of state for education, said: “This significant step reflects the hard work undertaken by the local...

Bournemouth and Poole council tenants could win prize for completing survey

The planned update by BCP Homes specifically affects council tenants on introductory or lifetime secure tenancies.

Currently, tenants face different rules depending on if they reside in Bournemouth or Poole.

Under the BCP Homes consultation, the move to update and standardise the tenancy agreements is geared towards aligning with the current law and promoting good practice.

This encompasses a range of issues including housing fraud, anti‑social behaviour, service charges, domestic ab...

New 20mph neighbourhood proposed for several areas in Bournemouth

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council has launched a public consultation on the speed limit proposal, which would affect parts of Moordown, Queens Park, Littledown, Springbourne, Townsend, and Boscombe.

The move aims to improve safety in residential streets and is part of the council’s broader road safety commitments.

From 2019 to 2023 there have been 283 casualties from traffic accidents in this area, of which 48 were serious injuries.

Cllr Richard Herrett, BCP Council c...

A new plan aims to make homelessness rare by stepping in earlier

BCP Council and Homelessness Partnership BCP has unveiled their Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy for 2026-2031, which aims to make homelessness “rare” by tackling issues before they escalate.

Councillor Kieron Wilson, cabinet member for housing and regulatory services, said: “This strategy is about doing things differently. We are listening to people who have experienced homelessness, acting earlier and working together as one system.

“Our goal is simple, fewer people losing thei...

Poole Civic Centre listed as ‘at risk’ by heritage charity

Poole’s grade II-listed Civic Centre has been added to SAVE Britain’s Heritage’s annual buildings at risk register due to vacancy and uncertainty over its future use.

Nominations for the register are made by members of the public wishing to highlight vacant or neglected historic buildings in need of protection.

SAVE uses the register to raise awareness and promote re-use, alongside campaigning against wasteful demolition to help find opportunities for viable reuse.

Neil Duncan-Jordan...

Bournemouth bar has had plans to extend hours heard by committee

Nikita Bar & Restaurant, located on Alma Road in Bournemouth, has applied to change its premises licence to allow for longer operating hours, including an earlier opening time.

The application requests permission to open from 8am to 11pm, Monday to Saturday, and 8am to 10pm on Sundays.

Alcohol could be served from 11am each day until closing.

Ricardo Barradas, managing director at Barr Invest Limited, told the committee on July 8: “Through the process I have had the opportunity to re...

Decision on future of sex shop in Bournemouth deferred

Easy Tiger, located in the Triangle, wants to renew its Sex Establishment Licence for another 12 months, allowing it to continue its trade in selling and displaying items related to sexual activity.

Having operated under its current ownership for around 17 years, the shop has become a firm fixture in the area.

The proposal has received a single objection from a local resident, Susan Stockwell, who described the shop’s window displays as “inappropriate” for the area.

However, 20 lette...

BCP Reform UK support Nigel Farage resignation and by election

It has recently been reported in The Sunday Times that Reform UK Party leader Nigel Farage had not properly declared support from George Cottrell.

He also remains under investigation by Parliament’s standards commissioner for not declaring a £5 million gift he received from Christopher Harbourne, a Thailand-based British cryptocurrency investor, before his election.

On Tuesday, July 7, Nigel Farage announced he would be resigning as an MP, triggering a by-election in Clacton, where he co...

Plans submitted for more than 100 new affordable homes in Poole

The proposal by BCP Council involves the former Bournemouth and Poole College campus, where seven buildings will be demolished.

One structure, Broughton House, has already been dismantled, with the necessary planning permission granted retrospectively.

This decision follows a series of problems at the site, including vandalism, arson, theft, and damage to brickwork, which have prompted the council to implement security measures and regularly reinforce the perimeter.

Out of the total...

Ferry cancellation comes as 'disappointment' to twinning association

Brittany Ferries’ service between Poole and Cherbourg, France has operated since 1985, but will be discontinued from October 31 this year.

The company said it is cancelling the route due to ongoing financial pressures.

At a recent meeting of the Poole Cherbourg Twinning Association the ending of the ferry service was discussed following Brittany Ferries decision to sell the Barfleur and not replace the ship.

Councillor Marcus Andrews, chairman of the Poole Cherbourg Twinning Associat...

Bournemouth padel court applies for alcohol licence

Cross Court Padel Limited, based on Provence Drive, is applying for a licence to serve alcohol from 11am to 11pm every day.

The facility features indoor courts, available from 7am to 10pm daily.

The centre offers coaching for all levels, from beginners to advanced players, as well as regular social sessions, leagues, and tournaments.

Additional amenities include a café and bar, equipment rental, and a pro shop.

The facility also has a big screen showing all major sporting events....

Bournemouth bowls club want to serve alcohol until 10pm

Pelhams Bowls Club, located on Millhams Road, describes itself as a friendly club for anyone who wants to play flat green bowls, organising various social activities which include quizzes, darts evenings, coffee mornings, card games and group meals in local restaurants.

Bowls sessions can be booked for £7 per hour, with all necessary equipment provided.

The club is active in the Bournemouth Leagues and is affiliated to Bowls England, Bowls Hampshire, the Bournemouth and District Bowling...

JP Morgan development "a powerful vote of confidence in our town"

At a planning meeting on July 6, councillors approved the development of a five-storey office building and multi-storey car park in a vote five to one with one councillor abstaining.

Cllr Millie Earl, leader of BCP Council, said: “We welcome JPMorganChase’s investment in Bournemouth which signals a powerful vote of confidence in our town, our people and our future.

“Bournemouth is competing with the very best locations in the UK, attracting world-leading businesses while retaining the ch...

Hamworthy East by-election could follow

Hamworthy East could face another election just months after residents chose a new town councillor.
The vacancy follows the resignation of Councillor Daniel Bleeze, who was elected to Poole Town Council’s Hamworthy East ward in May with 779 votes and a majority of 392.
Councillor Bleeze resigned 2 months into the role, shortly after leaving Reform UK to sit as an independent, citing concerns about openness and tolerance of differing views within the Reform group.
A notice published on Friday 3 J...
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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