Bournemouth Echo is a local newspaper that covers the news, sport, events, and features of Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, and the surrounding areas of Dorset and Hampshire. Here are some of the latest news and updates from the Bournemouth Echo website.
Wilko store closes for good after 35 years
The Wilko store in Bournemouth town centre has closed its doors for good after 35 years of trading. The store, which was located on Old Christchurch Road, was one of the oldest and largest Wilko branches in the country. It had been due to close in January 2023, but the closure was brought forward to September 27, 2023.
The closure was part of Wilko’s plans to relocate some of its stores to more profitable locations. The company said it had been unable to agree on a new lease with the landlord of the Bournemouth site. The staff were offered alternative roles at other Wilko stores or redundancy packages.
Many shoppers expressed their sadness and nostalgia at the closure of the store, which had been a popular destination for household goods, gardening supplies, toys, and stationery. Some customers made their final purchases at the store on Monday, while others took photos and shared their memories online.
Cherries lose to Brighton in Premier League clash
Bournemouth AFC suffered a 3-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League match at the Amex Stadium on Wednesday. The Cherries had taken an early lead through Dominic Solanke’s header in the 12th minute, but Brighton responded with three goals from Neal Maupay, Leandro Trossard, and Yves Bissouma.
The result left Bournemouth in 18th place in the table, with four points from six games. Brighton moved up to fourth place, with 13 points from six games. Bournemouth manager Juan Manuel Lillo said he was disappointed with the performance and the referee’s decisions, especially the denial of a penalty for a handball by Adam Webster in the second half.
Brighton manager Graham Potter praised his team’s resilience and quality, saying they deserved the win. He also commended Bournemouth for their attacking style and spirit. The two teams will meet again in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday.
Pub wins national award for its garden
The White Horse pub in Southbourne has won a national award for its garden, which features a mini golf course, a pizza oven, and a giant chess board. The pub was named the Best Garden Pub in the UK by the Morning Advertiser, a trade magazine for the pub industry.
The pub’s garden was created by landlord Steve Hudson, who spent £150,000 on transforming the outdoor space into a family-friendly attraction. He said he was delighted and surprised by the award, which he dedicated to his staff and customers. He also said he hoped to add more features to the garden in the future, such as a bowling alley and a cinema screen.
The pub’s garden has been praised by customers and visitors for its unique and special design, which offers something for everyone. The pub also hosts regular events and activities in the garden, such as live music, quizzes, and charity fundraisers.
