• While recently I have been reporting on attempts to open up the byway tracks above Sutton Poyntz to motorised vehicles, on the roads below the First Bus Company seem intent on REDUCING the number of their vehicles. They have made an application to completely withdraw the 4B service to Sutton Poyntz and to change the No. 4 service so that no buses go along Melstock Avenue, Oakbury Drive and Wyke Oliver Road, but along the Preston Road instead! This latter would save all of 4 minutes on the route! These changes are not only a huge blow to the many elderly – and not so elderly! - people living on the Overcombe Bay estate and in Sutton Poyntz, but also to holidaymakers who have a long walk, often with their luggage, up the hill past the Spice Ship to the Seaview Holiday Park. The 4/4B routes are not subsidised by the Council but difficulties of reversing buses into Old Bincombe Lane is one reason given for the changes. It’s odd that green methods of travelling such as cycling are supported, whereas equally green bus services are being curtailed. David Mannings has been distributing information leaflets asking worried travellers to contact him via email (davidannbaydon@btinternet.com ) so that he can bring your concerns to the attention of the relevant authorities. Individual responses are needed, so fire off an email now (or drop a letter into me and I’ll see he gets it) if you want to try and save these vital services.

• Dorset Police report that during the last six weeks there have been four garage break-ins in the Oakbury Drive area of Preston. They ask that you do everything you can to ensure your garage is as secure as possible, and if you would like a free home security survey to contact the local Safer Neighbourhood Team by ringing 101.

• Betty Hennessey tells me that the Weymouth East Scouts and Guides Spring Jumble Sale will take place on Saturday 30 March. This may seem like a long way ahead, but they need jumble to sell to raise money. Please help by looking out you unwanted items and contacting Betty (833614) or delivering them to the Scutt Hall, which is open most early evenings. I know that many charities ask for your help with clothes, jumble etc, but this is one of the major fund raising activities in support of the Scutt Hall which used by so many local youngsters, so do please try and help.