Despite many people’s perception, Bridport Town Council has jurisdiction and responsibility only for the Parish of Bridport, not including the parishes of Bradpole, Bothenhampton & Walditch Symondsbury or Allington.

So Bridport Town Council has responded to Dorset Council’s call for a Community Governance Review with an ambitious plan to unify the town.

Our three options can be seen on our website. Preferred option 1 would eliminate a whole host of boundary anomalies and secure the new development of Foundry Lea within Bridport.

The new Dorset Unitary Council reset their electoral boundaries, ‘Bridport’ being a three member ward representing all 5 parishes.

Our Neighbourhood Plan covering the same five parish areas already gives us more power in planning terms. Symondsbury, largely a rural parish, would stay independent but the others could be merged.

Many small surrounding parishes are already complaining that they are being ignored Monthly Unique Users by Dorset and not getting the connectivity and help they need. It’s clear that a stronger more representative council would be able to build up strong working relationships with Dorset Unitary.

The options to be explored going forward are about releasing the potential and celebrating the diversity of our wider community, whilst bringing cohesion and importantly a level of democratic governance, accountability and fairness that delivers to all.

DAVID RICKARD

Bridport Town Council