2:49pm Monday 3rd April 2006
By Laura Williams
CONTROVERSIAL new flats in Frampton have undergone an online facelift.
A spoof webpage, part of neighbouring Maiden Newton's website www.maidennewton.info, displays the development as beachside apartments' and dubs the village Framptonos'.
Frampton Court, just off Dorchester Road in Frampton, which comprises several one-to four-bedroom flats and a courtyard, has received some criticism from residents.
The parish council objected to the development following concerns over how it would fit in with the surrounding buildings.
Webmaster John Wright likened the development to apartments at a Mediterranean holiday resort.
He said: "You don't even need to comment on it, you just look at it and it looks out of place."
Mr Wright, who runs three websites including the Maiden Newton website, said the spoof was his unique way of highlighting residents' concerns.
He said: "I think that the Internet is a great liberating force when it comes to local issues, giving ordinary citizens the chance to express themselves and offer their opinions."
The web page features two photographs of the development with added images of palm trees, deckchairs and parasols, courtesy of Mr Wright.
The accompanying text reads like a holiday brochure and includes invitations like: Stroll along the busy Framptonos Boulevard.
Take an extremely refreshing dip in the crystal brown waters of the Frome.
Visit the cradle of civilisation in nearby Maiden Newton or marvel at the ancient ruins of Frome Vauchurch.' He refers to the world-famous Framptonos illuminations (visible, if you go fast enough, at each end of the resort)' which translates as the flashing speed signs.
He mentions the mysterious ancient hieroglyphs scattered along the main road for no apparent reason' which are actually the traffic diamonds on the road.
And underneath the brochrure photos it says: Framptonos Beachside Apartments Inc. is a subsidary of West Dorset District Practical Jokes Corporation and is brought to you in association with English Heritage (Lanzarote Section)'.
A spokesman for Renaissance Developments, the Poole-based company behind the new Frampton Court, said: "Everyone's entitled to their opinion."
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