The Liberal Democrats’ Priorities for Bridport:

Protecting the environment

• Work with Wessex Water to improve the water quality in our rivers and at West Bay
• Involve local communities and Dorset Council in developing a plan for regular clearing of surface water drains and gullies to reduce localised flooding
• Continue the success of the Town Council and Bridport Tree Planting Group in working with local communities to enhance our natural environment by planting native variety trees
• Use our Bridport Climate Emergency Action Plan to guide decision-making
• Continue work on the Bridport Food Security Plan to ensure there is always a secure, affordable and healthy food supply for the current and future populations, as well as tourists, in the Bridport local area
• Sustain the drive to be a Plastic Free Bridport
• Promote the use of sustainable Palm Oil

Ensure Bridport continues to be a thriving town where everyone can work, live and play

• Build on the town’s reputation as Dorset’s Eventful Town and promote our success in being chosen to be the pilot town for the Dorset Town of Culture Initiative 2024
• Lobby Dorset Council to review and consider the financial impact of their car parking charges policy on our residents, workers and local businesses
• Listen to our business community to see how we can help businesses to survive and grow
• Continue to engage with local community groups and societies and offer support where possible
• Lobby Dorset Council Highways to consider extending the new 20mph speed limit in the town centre to include the roads near to all local schools
• Continue to embed Bridport as a “Rights Respecting Town” in our decision-making

Improving Local Services

• Use the Bridport Area Neighbourhood Plan and our Access and Movement study to influence policies and practical actions for the future growth of our Town
• Utilise the Viability Economic Study to focus on Bridport as a Hub for Transport, Education and Employment
• Continue offering advice for residents on issues such as Home insulation and Green energy use, using our Bridport Energy Champions
• Promote the house-building work done locally through schemes such as Co-Housing and Community Land Trusts
• Press for more affordable housing to attract staff for essential services, such as health, homecare, education and the service industries, and to help young people stay in the town
• Promote Green Energy Solutions on all new developments
• Set Up regular Ward surgeries for residents to air any issues

Focusing on younger people

• Strengthen links with schools helping with young people’s transition from school to work
• Work with local businesses to promote apprenticeships and skills training for our young people
• Encourage opportunities for creative projects around the town
• Continue the work to establish a Bridport Learning Hub to provide further education opportunities locally
• Explore the formation of a Youth Council to give our young people a voice in shaping the future of Bridport