News & Views

BRIDPORT

Award from the High Sheriff Bridport Literary Festival director Tanya Bruce-Lockhart was given a surprise award by Dorset High Sheriff George Streatfeild. As photo Adrien Munden she was thanking the first author, Sir Barney White-Spunner, at the end of an illustrated talk about his book, Berlin, Mr Streatfeild walked on to the Electric Palace stage in full regalia to present her with a special certificate. The Award was presented to her in recognition of the determination and the immense work undertaken by her to put on a ‘live’ programme of COVID safe events at this year’s festival.

SEATOWN

Man rescued from cliffs Lyme Regis Coastguard team, together with colleagues from West Bay, rescued a man that had climbed a cliff west of Seatown to escape the incoming ‘spring’ tide. He had become completely stuck 35 metres up the cliff in the impenetrable undergrowth. Due to the inaccessible location, it was decided to ‘extract’ the casualty using Coastguard Rescue helicopter 175 which was training nearby. The aircrew quickly located the man and winched him to the safety of the cliff top. After a medical assessment, he was escorted back to his car in Seatown.

BRIDPORT

Award for ‘Lockdown Legend’ Retired restaurateur, Tony Gibbons, has been recognised by the National Lottery for his efforts to help people to get good food. He photo National Lottery has devoted the past 15 years to The Friendly Food Club, a charity that has helped thousands of struggling families in Dorset learn to cook affordable, nutritious meals and make new friends. Tony’s unflagging efforts to change lives one recipe at a time have seen him named winner of the Education category at the 2020 National Lottery Awards. This year’s winners recognise the ‘Lockdown Legends’ who have worked tirelessly to help others during this extraordinary year.

YEOVIL

Survey on measures launched South Somerset District Council, in partnership with Somerset County Council, are launching a survey to get the public’s views on temporary road closures installed to enable active travel and social distancing in Yeovil town centre. This was one of a number of schemes initially funded by the Government as part of the Active Travel initiative. Councillor Val Keitch, Leader of South Somerset District Council, said: ‘We have had to implement schemes in large public areas whereby we can minimise public contact and introduce social distancing measures... We are keen to hear your thoughts on the scheme and ask you to carefully consider and feedback to us.’ The survey is at www.smartsurvey. co.uk/s/0CUUZW/

WEST BAY

Coastal path cliff collapse Dorset Council’s concern that a dangerous crack may result in a cliff fall proved spot on when a large section of coastal path collapsed near Eype recently. A 200-metre section of the South West Coast Path near West Bay had been closed due to the growing crack in the clifftop. Tara Hansford, Dorset Council Countryside Access Development Officer, had warned that movement in the section had ‘rapidly increased’ and said: ‘All the signs indicate that this whole area of cliff is vulnerable and sections are regularly falling.’ The collapse came soon afterwards. An alternative path, directing walkers away from the danger had been provided by landowners Highlands End Holiday Park whilst officials warned people to avoid walking on the beach below the cliff.