News & Views

LYME REGIS

Grant success for Marine

The Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis was among more than 2,700 recipients to benefit from the latest round of awards from the government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund. The second round of awards will help the Marine to look ahead and fund reopening and recovery. After months of closures and cancellations, this funding will be helpful for organisations such as the Marine transitioning back to normal. COVID-19 safety means increased costs and work for arts venues after a year without normal income. Director of the Marine Theatre, Gabby Rabbitts, said: ‘This is very good news for Lyme Regis residents who like to have fun. We can’t wait to open the doors and welcome back the community.’

BRIDPORT

Skatepark consultation

A consultation questionnaire has been produced to find out the views of local people in regard to the modernisation of Bridport Skatepark. The park has been a successful venue for wheeled sports in the town for over 15 years. Over time the facility has become tired and in need of modernisation and the Council are spearheading a project to rejuvenate the area and develop a bespoke, spray concrete facility. The plan is to create an open, welcoming, community space that encourages younger less experienced riders to get involved. To contribute your views visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIp QLSebOL38jWCr2ssta4YQLhrmTAs3bdMsS OmttEhOUZgWTuMY-Q/viewform

HOLWELL

Neighbourhood Plan

A review of the Holwell Neighbourhood Plan has been submitted to the council for examination. The plan has been reviewed by local people, and agreed by the parish council, who feel confident that the plan reflects the hopes and views of the local community. People who live, work or run a business in the Holwell neighbourhood area have until the end of Wednesday 19 May, to raise any concerns they may have about the plan review. These concerns will then be passed on to an independent examiner to consider. The plan can be viewed online at https:// www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/holwellneighbourhood-plan.

SEATON

Tramway opens with grant

Seaton Tramway in East Devon has received a grant of £217,500 from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to help the organisation recover and reopen. A registered charity, Seaton Tramway has been operating in Seaton since August 1970 and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020. The Tramway operates a 3-mile track between the coastal town of Seaton and the town of Colyton and has a fleet of 14 trams. The trams range in age from 1904 to 2007 and include a fleet of heritage trams of which ran on the streets of London, Bournemouth and includes the last surviving tram to run on the streets of Exeter.

WEST BAY

Events despite cancellation

Although the Melplash Show has been cancelled for 2021, facets of the popular agricultural show will go on. This year, organisers will host several educational and community events as well as competitions along with the Discover Farming education programme. Planned events include Garden & Allotment, Farm and Flock competitions in June and July: a craft and home produce competition including classes for children in August: a horticulture and craft competition later in the year and a farm produce show in late Summer. The annual Hedging & Ploughing match is scheduled for Sunday 19th September near Salway Ash. For more information visit www.melplashshow.co.uk