Oliver Letwin MP

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 [...]

I think by now everyone in Lyme Regis must know about the Hub.

This is a wonderful project to give new life to what used to be the club for young people in the middle of the town.

The ambition is considerable.  As well as providing a range of activities that one would normally associate with a [...]

Last week in this column, I celebrated the success of manufacturing in Bridport and the surrounding areas – and, in particular, the surprising contribution that Bridport and West Dorset make to Britain’s very considerable prowess in engineering and high technology.

No sooner had I penned these observations than the Bridport News reported on another very successful [...]

I was very sad to see last week the news that Southgate has closed.

In the current economic climate, jobs are absolutely at a premium and each one lost is a bitter blow.  If any of those affected happen to be reading this column, I would be more than happy to hear from them if there [...]

OPEN LETTER TO THE PRIMARY CARE TRUST

Over recent weeks, the people of Bridport have made it very clear not only how much they value Bridport Community Hospital, but also how keen they are to see the out-patient services that have been provided at the hospital continue to be provided there, rather than having them transferred [...]

In the midst of the important debate about out -patient services at Bridport Community Hospital and Dorset County Hospital, I hope we won’t lose sight of the issues surrounding the Hughes Unit.

I recently met both users of this Unit and people who were related to those who use the Unit in Bridport – who had [...]

Once in a while, technology takes a leap forward.

Some of these leaps are immediately noticeable. Everyone knew about the arrival of the internet and the mobile phone, pretty much as soon as they had descended upon us. But other major technological transformations are subtler. They occur almost unnoticed, despite the fact that they change the [...]