Letters

More information on market site plan

With regards your article ‘Plans now submitted for new market site’ in Edition 19 of the New Stour & Avon magazine. Unfortunately, the planning application included some rather important errors. The proposed buildings and paths/cycleways are actually located within the ancient monument. Even the car park and amenity areas are likely to be in an area with significant archaeological remains. The site contains a number of Roman structures including a legionary fortress. It was used as a base for the subjugation of the Durotriges (the tribe which occupied the area which is now Dorset. The legionary fortress is one of only a few known in the south of England and is almost unique in occupying land that is largely undeveloped – which increases the likelihood of archaeological evidence remaining intact. Historic England considers the scheduled monument to be of regional, national and international significance. They say that acceptance of the proposals would break several of the heritagerelated national planning regulations. This is an important heritage asset for Dorset and the country and must be protected from further development. Comments on the application have now ended. Andrew Morgan Chairman East Dorset Antiquarian Society (EDAS)

OFF THE WALL...

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MPs should pay own bills

We are constantly being told that we are ‘all in this together’ by the Government, unless of course, you fall into the category of being on a low or fixed income such as most pensioners. In all the free magazines I have had posted through my letter box, various MPs wish all their constituents a festive season and inform us they are doing their utmost best in representing all of us. But most of these are the same MPs that have broken their triple lock pledge on pensions and voted against the best interests of their constituents. And as a result, pensioners are now being offered less than the rate of inflation in April. Groceries go up each week and we still have the above inflation increases now in double digits on gas and electric to contend with. Now, if those MPs paid their own bills out of their generous salaries, I doubt many of us would complain and some may even be tempted to vote for them. But according to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, all of Dorset’s MPs claimed in excess of £3,000 each for their gas and electric on expenses. Perhaps one or all of those MPs could write to explain themselves in this excellent publication. Their action against pensioners has seriously compromised their wellbeing. Mike Fry Upton

Thank you for support

I write as chief executive of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, to thank everyone who has supported the charity over the last 12 months. However you’ve helped, you’re amazing and making a big difference to local people while staff and volunteers have ensured patients and their loved ones continue to be supported. A highlight was the Virtual Day Hospice service, to combat loneliness for vulnerable people shielding. Our clinical team still saw patients via video calls for one-to-one sessions and patients could also join group activities. Tenovus cancer charity gave the hospice use of its mobile clinics, so we could bring hospice care closer to home so patients travelled less for treatment. Our shops saw more business – great for the environment as well as funds. At Candles On The Lake more than 2,000 people remembered their loved ones with a stunning display of floating candles. You raised £7,000 that evening! This year is the 30th anniversary of Marjorie LewisManning’s vision to help people with life-limiting illnesses and, without the help of our supporters, the past 30 years would not have been possible. So, on behalf of all of us, a heartfelt THANK YOU for your kindness. Clare Gallie

Any memories of women’s football?

I have been coaching women’s football in Dorset and Hampshire for a number of years and was lucky to have come into my possession of this Second World War 1943 photograph of the Hants and Dorset womens football team. Wondered if you would like to share the image with your readers, especially as the women’s Euros are set to be held in Southampton in a few months? Perhaps someone may have some more information about the team. Chris Berry

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