Letters to the Editor

Want to reply? Read something you feel needs commenting on? Our postbag is open! Please send emails to letters@theblackmorevale.co.uk. When writing, please include your full name and address; we will not print this, but do require it.

Second home owners

As I write this I note that Dorset Council has just voted through the additional levy on second home owners. Thank goodness. Second homesare the death by a thousand cuts for any small community. And it’s no good a holiday home owner suggesting that they contribute to the local economy - of course you do, but nowhere near as much as a family who work locally, attend school, shop, use the GP and pharmacy etc. It’s a nonsense argument. At the end of the day, if you can afford a second home, you can afford a little more tax on it to aid the community you are stripping of an asset.

(Terry’s interview with Cllr Peter Wharfe on the podcast was an excellent follow up to last month’s article, I urge others to go and listen to it.)

John Reid, Shaftesbury

Re. The original Blackmore Vale Magazine

I saw a mention in a recent article about being printed since 2020 and could only think you referred to your own tenure of the BVM.

In 1987 it was recommended to me by a local while I was searching for a place to live in North Dorset. It was packed with useful information and in fact lead to me finding a home. It provided details of employment, local events, Council activity and much much more over the years – I think it deserves a bit of a drum roll for a lengthy and informative history.

Suzanne Webb, by email

This question is raised frequently – you might like to read the article we wrote in November 2020 to clear the confusion. It may also interest you to know that we’re very proud to have the long-time editor of the original BVM Fanny Charles and equally-longserving Dorset journalist Gay Pirrie-Weir as sub-editors - Ed

Developers in Marnhull

The arrogance of developers and their agents is breathtaking. Despite approval in recent months for nearly 300 homes, Marnhull is once again having to resist a major planning application on a greenfield site. But the applications and supporting documents submitted are an insult to the intelligence of local people. Quite apart from the skewed arguments in favour of ‘sustainable development’ and ‘enhanced bio-diversity’, the casual incompetence of professional consultants beggars belief. Out-of-date plans and photos, inaccurate measurements and incorrect statements abound. It is evident that basic research has not been carried out and that no site visit has occurred.

On one recent application a consultant re-routed a public footpath through our garden and across the patio. You couldn’t make it up. Except they do, as a result of cynical, sloppy and unprofessional practice. It’s bad enough to impose unwanted, unnecessary and excessive expansion on the rural community with all the harm to the landscape and environment that implies, but to do so with such incompetence adds insult to injury.

Stephen Boyce Marnhull

On the flood at Bourton

Further to Roger Guttridge’s The day the Dam burst (The BV, Feb23):

We live right next to the dam in question on the road to Gasper and I’m pleased to say that a) it looks very solid and b) there is a very effective run off system now. The lake is drained every year to manage the fish stocks. There is a plaque on the dam commemorating the events of that night.

Nick Allott, Facebook

For Barry and Pete

I just wanted to write and thank Barry Cuff and Pete Harcom for their gardening columns. I don’t even grow veg except a few tomatoes – but I never miss Barry’s column, much like I never miss Gardener’s World.

I enjoy the gentle, calm tone and the obvious experience and passion that comes through his words. Who knows, maybe I’ll plant some carrots this year, just to join in.

And Pete’s column always has a couple of jobs for me to get on with – despite not having a huge garden, I do love to keep on top if it. His timely reminders on a Friday always give me a task for the weekend ahead.

Could you thank them both for me, and tell them they are much appreciated?

Iris Bell, nr Blandford. (you just did so yourself – Ed)