Oliver Letwin MP

Writing a regular column is a strange business in many ways – not least because, unlike with private correspondence, you really have very little idea who may or may not be reading your words.  I can occasionally detect that, someone, somewhere is reading something, since I occasionally receive letters from people who are either pleased [...]

Last week’s Bridport News reported the remarkable fact that the Amsafe workshops have now begun production of netting for the military version of the airbus.

Time was when the Amsafe factory was known as Bridport Gundry – and was just one of the many rope makers that gave Bridport its pre-eminent position as the supplier of [...]

Yet again, last Friday, I found myself opening a Skills Training Centre in Bridport run by BLAST – the wonderful charity that is providing more and more skills training for young people in the Bridport area.

A few months back, the Training Centre I was opening had to do with Yeovil College and their remarkable expertise [...]

For many years now, the question of the development of the so-called south west quadrant of Bridport has been on the agenda.

Indeed, I don’t think there has been a time during my period as the local MP, when this has been off the agenda.

Now, once again, the issue has come back for consideration – and, [...]

Some weeks back, I wrote in this column about the splendid news that high speed broadband is coming to Dorset.

I am now able to provide a further update.  Dorset County Council has put together its proposals and we hope to hear very shortly that the project will move forward with a combination of funds from [...]

One of the occupational hazards of being a constituency MP is that you receive an awful lot of leaflets and pamphlets from people who are trying to tell you about the good things they are doing
 
However, this cloud of uninvited spam has a noticeable silver lining.  Every so often, something wholly unexpected and quite remarkable [...]

One of the great things about West Dorset is that, amidst our peaceful rural setting, there is actually a lot going on – and Bridport is no exception to this general rule.

This week, I can report on two exciting elements which illustrate the cultural and social vibrancy that marks out the town.

On the cultural side, [...]

One of the wonderful things about Bridport is the sheer exuberance of the multitude of small businesses that it generates.

Of course there is much more to Bridport than just business.  The cultural and social life of the town is just as important.  But there is a danger of forgetting that the underpinning of Bridport’s success [...]

The New Year has arrived – and the signs so far are that it may prove rather windswept, both physically and metaphorically.  Certainly the global and, in particular, the European economic climate looks set to be chilly and testing.

Under these circumstances, it is worth reminding ourselves of the many good things that can nevertheless be [...]

It is good to see that Bridport Community Hospital remains in the news – and it is important that this continues to be the case while discussions are under way about how outpatient services can best be maintained at the hospital.

Interestingly, it has become apparent that it is by no means only people in Bridport [...]