A Bridport charity is planning future projects to help tackle social, economic and cultural issues facing the town.

Bridport Area Development Trust (BADT), which rescued and restored the Bridport Literary and Scientific Institute (LSi) in East Street and the Methodist church in West Bay, which now houses the West Bay Discovery Centre, is looking to identify, plan and deliver projects that meet local needs.

Its small team of volunteers is exploring collaborations which will combine participants' expertise and experience to reduce social and economic deprivation.

They have had meetings with Bridport Town Council and Dorset Council to discuss potential redevelopment sites, as well as how to support existing groups' activities and encourage business and cultural start-ups.

Talks with the town council about what Bridport needs have included poverty relief, training, education, housing, buildings, public services, the arts, community interest companies and the environment.

A spokesman for BADT said: "The trust has reached an important point. We are exploring how we can continue to work to enhance the social, economic and cultural wellbeing of Bridport.

"The council's support has been essential and invaluable to the discovery centre and LSi and we both see collaboration as the best way to provide much-needed new facilities, business and job opportunities, and support for the creative projects and the arts.

"We are looking at a wide range of ideas as we decide which best suit our experience and resources and offer real benefits to local people.

"We welcome feedback and ideas from the community, please contact [email protected] with your views."

For more information about BADT, visit bridportadt.org.uk

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