Bridport residents are urged to support local businesses and hospitality and look after their mental wellbeing as the area moves to Tier Two.

Bridport mayor, councillor Ian Bark said his initial reaction to Dorset being placed in the middle tier when lockdown restrictions are lifted tomorrow (Wednesday) was "one of incredulity".

"We have been extremely successful in keeping the number of infections very low across Dorset," he said, "and West Bay and South Bridport was recently mentioned in national news reports as being one of the few places that had registered extremely low infections.

"Attempting to micromanage Covid-19 tier levels at a borough or parish level is fraught with issues. For example, in Bridport there have been fewer than three cases reported in the past seven days, yet… we are surrounded by areas where the infection rate is higher.

"For the moment, at least, we are an island of calm surrounded by a sea of infection. For that reason alone, being placed in Tier Two offers a greater chance of that position remaining to be the case.

"We need to remain on our guard and behave responsibly as a whole community if we are to avoid a serious outbreak.

"If, heaven forbid, Bridport is hit by a serious outbreak of the Covid-19 virus, the demographic profile of our population is such that we have a significant number of over 60s and vulnerable people living here. The impact on the town, and in particular that section of the population, would be extremely serious.

"It is this section of the population, given the evidence gained from the impact of the virus in other areas, that is most likely to require hospital care to hopefully nurse them back to health. This would put our local health services under extreme pressure very quickly."

But Cllr Bark is encouraging residents to shop local this Christmas and make the most of Bridport's 'Christmas Cheer-Up' market on Saturday, December 12.

He said: "If we want to continue to have access to the fantastic range of shops on our high streets it is even more important this Christmas that we support them by buying local.

"By shopping local, you also reduce your carbon footprint, so it's a win-win situation. You know it makes sense. This Christmas protect the Amazon by choosing to shop local."

However, the hospitality sector is still suffering with venues having last orders at 10pm, closing at 11pm and only being able to sell alcohol with a 'substantial meal'.

Cllr Bark added: "This is clearly going to be a blow and could for some bring them close to financial ruin. Once again it is up to us to give them as much support as we can by eating out where and when we can and making use of the takeaway menus many now offer."

He also highlights the impact of the pandemic on mental wellbeing and that it is "perfectly natural" for all to be anxious and fearful.

"Public health actions such as the lockdown two followed by Tier Two can make people feel isolated and lonely and increase stress and anxiety," he said.

"Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones, your financial situation or job, or loss of support services you rely on can all increase stress and anxiety.

"Taking care of your friends and your family can be a stress reliever, but it should be balanced with care for yourself.

"I have been really impressed by the way in which the people of Bridport have reached out to others throughout the pandemic to offer help and support to the vulnerable and protect our residents and visitors alike. It has been a truly remarkable community effort.

"In addition to the support being delivered by friends and family, there are a number of organisations that are able to provide professional support care and guidance."

These include:

Bridport and District Citizens Advice which gives independent advice about money, benefits and more.

Email [email protected] call 03444 111 444

Cupboard Love Food Bank

Call 07443 596096 for the food bank or 07552 312596 for help with shopping if you can pay.

Email [email protected]

Burrough Harmony Centre which gives peer support for mental health problems.

Call 07597 379290 or email [email protected]

Bridport Support Contact Centre for advice and support for all needs.

Call 01308 808900 or email [email protected]

Residents are starting to look towards Christmas, when restrictions will be eased between December 23 and 27, allowing people to form bubbles with three households.

Cllr Bark added: "After the year we have had, I can understand why the Government has decided to relax the Covid-19 rules over the Christmas period to enable us to enjoy a degree of normality during the festive period.

"It is not without risks though and we may find ourselves paying the price for dropping our guard for a few days in 2021. Each of us must ask ourselves whether the desire to 'do what we usually do' is the right choice.

"Wherever you are over the coming weeks, it is important to do everything you can to protect yourself and those around you as best you can from catching and spreading the Covid-19 virus. Remember the simple advice we were all given at the outbreak of the pandemic all those months ago still applies.

"Remember, just because you can, doesn't mean you should."