News & Views

LYME REGIS

Beach closed after cliff fall

A beach in Lyme Regis was temporarily closed after coastguard teams were called to a cliff fall. The landslide on Church Cliff, to the east of Lyme Regis was checked to ensure that there were no casualties. The beach was reopened once there was a sufficient margin to pass seaward of the slip. A coastguard spokesperson said that the best fossils are found on the beach and warned the public be aware that the cliffs are highly unstable at this time of year.

ILMINSTER

Councillor to Step Down

Cllr Linda Vijeh, Conservative ward member for Neroche ward and county councillor for Ilminster has announced that she will be stepping down at the end of the year. In a statement she said: ‘After much consideration I have decided that with effect from 1st January 2022, I shall be standing down as both District Councillor for Neroche ward and as County Councillor for Ilminster division, along with their associated committees and appointments.’ Cllr Vijeh said there were a number of reasons for her decision but the principle one was to allow herself the opportunity to pursue other personal interests. She thanked those who have supported her over the years.

DORCHESTER

Town Crier wins again

Alistair Chisholm, Town Crier of Dorchester has won the 68th National Town Criers’ Championship in Hastings for the 11th time. This equals the record held by the late Ben Johnson of Fowey in Cornwall. Alistair dedicated his win to all the staff at the Robert White Radiotherapy unit at Dorset County Hospital where he has recently completed his treatment for prostate cancer. He said: ‘The staff are not only truly professional but are incredibly patient and understanding. The whole atmosphere created at the unit puts one at ease and the sessions are not only painless but pass very quickly.’

SOUTH WEST

New look TIC opens

A new prospectus released by the Great South West Tourism Partnership sets out key priorities to enable year round sustainability in the tourism industry, addressing seasonality and ways to deliver clean growth to establish the region as the most accessible and inclusive destination in the UK. The publication highlights how the region’s visitor economy directly supports more than 133,000 full-time equivalent jobs with tourism representing 9% of all Gross Value Added (GVA) for the region. This in turn stimulates business and encourages inward investment. Read the full report at www. dorsetlep.co.uk/great-south-west

DORCHESTER

First wedding in Museum

Dorset Museum has hosted its first wedding for a local couple after recently being granted their wedding license for Civil Marriages and Partnerships. Mike and Rachel said: ‘When we saw the empty Victorian Hall and stunning mosaics we both immediately said what an amazing place to get married, not knowing then that we would be the very first couple to do so! We can’t thank the museum staff enough for all their help, support and kindness in planning and on the day, to make it such a truly magical experience for us, our family and friends.’