News&Views
CHARD Retailer to create 43 new jobs
One of the UK’s largest family-run retailers, Home Bargains is creating 43 new jobs in the Chard community with its store on Boden Street. In total, the store will employ 49 team members, including some staff and management who will be transferring from local stores. It will also be donating £2,000 to local charity, Chard WATCH, a community interest company that reaches out and engages with isolated adults needing to connect with others in their community. The 13,207 sq ft store, which formerly housed Lidl, will offer shoppers a range of products, including homewares, health and beauty essentials, sweets, snacks and drinks, as well as fresh and frozen food.
LYME REGIS Tribute to Museum Trustee
Tributes have been paid to a Trustee of Lyme Regis Museum after the announcement of his death following an alleged assault in London. Paul Mason, a trustee for more than two years, made valuable contributions to the governance of the museum and played an active part in marking the museum’s centenary. He had been in International Banking for nearly 20 years. An announcement on the museum’s website said: ‘His wisdom, knowledge and good humour will be much missed by all at the museum.’
24 The Marshwood Vale Magazine July 2021 Tel. 01308 423031
BEAMINSTER Development plans submitted
A plan for 100 new homes on the Beaminster to Broadwindsor road has been submitted to Dorset Council planners. A mix of affordable houses as well as 1,2,3 and 4 bedroom properties in mixed layouts and styles has been proposed by Cavanna Homes. Set within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, access to the site will be from a new roundabout opposite the entrance to Buglers, agricultural equipment suppliers.
CARTGATE Award for Information Centre
The South Somerset Visitor Information Centre near Martock has won Silver at the recent South West England Tourism Excellence Awards 2020/2021. Bev Stapp, team supervisor for the centre said ‘The Tourism Team is extremely proud to win this prestigious accolade for South Somerset, up against the entire South West region. After a particularly difficult year we are really looking forward to promoting this outstanding area and supporting our local businesses. We anticipate a very busy season ahead and look forward to welcoming visitors.’ The Centre is at Cartgate Picnic Site just off the A303 / A3088 roundabout and is open daily 9am until 3.30pm between April and October.
WEST DORSET New land for DWT
Wilder Dorset - panorama © Dorset Wildlife Trust
Dorset Wildlife Trust’s acquisition of a large area of land south-east of Bere Regis will be used to help tackle the climate and ecological crises. The site, which measures 170 hectares—the size of around 230 football pitches—will showcase sustainable change in land use. Dorset Wildlife Trust aims to restore the site to a place where wildlife can flourish and people can connect with nature. More at: www. dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/WilderDorset.
