'SUPPORT local retail' is the message from shop owners as they prepare to reopen next month.

A CARE home has suffered serious damage to its basement after a fire involving a tumble drier.

THE highly-anticipated Hollywood film Ammonite filmed around Lyme Regis is set to be one of the highlights of this year's Page to Screen festival.

INVITES for first vaccinations at Bridport Medical Centre will temporarily stop from Monday, March 29 due to supply issues.

THE WATCH House Café will be reopening today as a takeaway only venue.

FURTHER cases of domestic violence and other problems in the home are expected to be revealed with the return of children to school.

WOMEN from across Dorset are being invited to participate in free self-defence workshops to help them feel more 'alert, prepared and confident' should they ever be attacked, in the wake of the Sarah Everard murder.

A LYME Regis charity is hosting its first ever tree awareness week.

THE announcement of a government strategy which aims to improve bus services, has been welcomed by Dorset Council and a local transport group.

A LAMB died a 'horrific' death after being savaged by an out of control dog.

A WEST Dorset school has confirmed a coronavirus case.

THIEVES raided fuel supplies at Bridport Medical Centre prior to a vaccination clinic - leaving the vaccinating team unable to keep vulnerable patients warm.

TWO hero lifeguards who saved the life of a woman who was swept into the sea by mountainous waves are to receive top national bravery and life-saving honours.

NEARLY 30 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Dorset over the last 24 hours, according to the latest statistics.

DREDGING costs at West Bay harbour have come in at £42,000 more than expected.

A NEW food and drink market is set to launch in Lyme Regis next month.

A BRIDPORT based cancer support group will be opening their new allotment this week, joined by a local TV gardener.

LYME Regis sailors have complained about an above-inflation rise in the fees they pay to Dorset Council.

NINE abandoned vehicles have been removed from a Weymouth road as part of an operation launched by Dorset Council.

WEDNESDAY last week was a busy day in the House of Commons. The Prime Minister backed my call for railway investment to improve regional connectivity at Prime Minister’s Questions which I want to use to focus on the Heart of Wessex line.

A NATIONAL day of reflection remembering everyone who has died during the coronavirus pandemic is being backed by Dorset families, businesses and organisations.

DOZENS of men reported being raped to Dorset Police in one year, figures have revealed.

FEARS that a Covid vaccine is causing blood clots has been dismissed by a senior figure at Dorset County Hospital - as he encouraged people to continue to book their jabs.

THE time and dedication that Noel Gregory has devoted to Bridport Rugby Club since his arrival is a testament to his commitment and love of the game.

BRIDPORT have finished building a new outdoor seating area at St Mary’s Field.

CONTROVERSIAL increases to car parking charges will be coming into force in two weeks.

New facilities are planned for the Morrisons supermarket fuel outlet at West Bay Road, Bridport – if Dorset Council approves a planning application for the site.

A GROUP of Bridport residents came together online to remember Sarah Everard with a candlelight vigil.

I WOULD challenge the Government’s need for the number of housing requirements in West Dorset over the next seventeen years and by the Dorset Council inflating the figure of 30,500 to 39,000 cannot be justified.

DORSET Council is expected to confirm today that it will be recommending the permanent closure of its headquarters in South Walks House, Dorchester.

CHILDREN'S holiday camps are coming to Bridport over the Easter holidays.

A NEW housing study shows that it takes nearly three months for a property in Portland to sell – among the quickest areas to sell a home in Dorset.

A FURTHER 31 new coronavirus cases have been recorded in Dorset, official figures show.

The move comes as findings saw as much as £1.4 billion in surplus credit was held in company accounts in October 2018.

FOUR patients with coronavirus are currently receiving treatment at Dorset County Hospital, according to latest figures.

More than 24 million people have now received their first dose of a vaccine, with an average of around 280,000 jabs being administered each day.

AN ONLINE art auction has been launched to offer Dorset artists a space to sell their work.

Until driving lessons return on April 12, many learner drivers have turned to family members for lessons.

More than 700 women and girls reported being raped to Dorset Police in the space of just one year, alarming figures show - while seven women and girls were killed in the county over a three year period.

If you want a little extra peace of mind the next time you are walking alone, there are personal safety apps that can help.

From March 22 field census officers will be knocking on doors and helping non-responders with any queries.

Bridport Medical Centre will be holding a clinic tomorrow to administer second Covid vaccinations to those aged over 80.

Details from court registers January 13, 21, 26

I AM writing to say I am very concerned that excessive amounts of property building is being recommended on green field sites in Dorset, especially the suggestion that around 3,500 houses should be built to the north of Dorchester on such sites. Also...

A FARM vehicle was stolen from a west Dorset location and police are appealing for witnesses.

POLICE have issued a warning against rogue traders after they received a report of five or six men going door-to-door in a Dorset village.

THE screening of a film highlighting the dangers of plastic pollution culminated with a Zoom Q&A session.

POTENTIAL candidates can now be nominated for the councillor vacancy on Lyme Regis Town Council.

UNEMPLOYED west Dorset residents can take advantage of a free cob house building course.

Under represented writers can now apply for a bursary, from today, to enter the Bridport Prize.