North Dorset Community Partnership won the top accolade at this year's Community Partnership Awards in London, beating high quality opposition from across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Beware hoax callers. There have been a number of incidents recently of hoax telephone calls from individuals claiming to be council officers seeking personal bank details to refund overpaid council tax. On no account should you provide bank details or cash to unsolicited callers claiming to be from the Council without first checking with the Council on 01258 454111.

Partnership working across councils was given a vote of confidence when North Dorset District Council identified a wish to search for economies and improvements with partners across the public sector in Dorset.

A swimathon is being organised at Blandford Leisure Centre in February to raise awareness of the funding problems being faced at the centre.

North Dorset District Council is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from leisure management contractors to operate the existing dual-use Blandford Leisure Centre.

Dorset businesses are encouraged to complete this on-line survey that could bring high-speed internet access as a legacy of the 2012 Olympic Games. The closing date is Monday 8 February.

The Council has prepared a draft Economic Development Strategy to address the needs of local businesses over the next few years. Comments are invited by 12 March.

The Council has launched its Choice Based Lettings system called HomeChoice.

Our Economic Downturn Leaflet will help residents in the recession.

The Council’s Housing Strategy 2010–2013 is now available for consultation. Comments are invited by Friday 5 March.

The Council has been described as Performing Well by the Audit Commission in its Oneplace assessment.

Find out how the Council goes about its business and what it has done this year in the first North Dorset District Council Annual Report.