News in Bridport

The 2021 Dorset Knob Throwing and Frome Valley Food Festival will not take place but, after a two-year break, will return to its former home in Cattistock next year.

The decision was made due to the current Covid-19 restrictions and how they are anticipated to continue.

Covid-19 cases in Dorset are beginning to fall, but the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) area now has the UK's 20th highest infection rate.

Public Health Dorset reports there are 1,175 cases in the Dorset Council area, compared to 1,261 on January 15, and 3,138 in the BCP Council area, compared to 3,524.

This year's West Bay Vintage Rally has been cancelled.

The event, organised by the West Dorset Vintage Tractor and Stationary Engine Club (WDVTSEC), is usually held on the second weekend in June at the West Bay showground.

Bridport Police are urging residents to be vigilant after two men appeared to try and steal a catalytic converter.

A spokesman for Bridport Police said: "In the early hours of this morning (Friday), we had a report of a suspicious incident in the Melplash area.

Following the success of both Bridport Nub News and Dorchester Nub News, we are on the lookout for more Dorset towns that would benefit from their own dedicated online newspaper - and we're looking for journalists.

There are currently 62 Nub News towns across the UK, with journalists bringing back community reporting and giving their residents the news relevant to them, without any pop-up ads, clickbait or surveys.

Footpaths that have "been used by the public for decades" are hoped to be included as public footpaths after gates and 'private' signage appeared.

Routes into West Bay's West Cliff estate from the Eype direction now have gates and signs stating it is residents access only.

Bridport Town Council has agreed to increase its portion of council tax by 8p a week.

The recommendation to raise council tax by 1.65 per cent - a yearly increase of £3.94 for Band D - was made at the council's finance and general purposes committee and accepted at the full Bridport Town Council meeting this week.

The Hughes Unit Group Supporters (HUGS) is to hold a Special General Meeting at 7pm on Monday, February 8 to consider a proposal to dissolve the organisation.

Members can obtain further information by emailing the chairman at [email protected]

The Rotary clubs of Bridport and Brit Valley have put out an urgent request for laptops and tablets that aren't being used.

Due to the ongoing pandemic and school pupils learning at home, the clubs are appealing for the donation of surplus laptops and tablets.

A five per cent increase in council tax will still leave Dorset Council with reserves depleted and struggling to find further savings – and with no pay increase for staff.

Finance brief holder Cllr Gary Suttle has warned of a tough year ahead and says the risks of being blown off course remain high with uncertainty around how the pandemic will pan out and the effects of Brexit.