So it seems the battle lines are forming, Bridport Town Council and its desire for a single unified parish on the one side and many of the parishes who want to remain independent on the other.

I live in one of those surrounding parishes, in Pymore, which currently comes under Bradpole.

I think unifying the surrounding parishes with Bridport would be great for our whole area.

It would allow more integrated services and give us a greater voice in dealing with outside bodies such as Dorset Council. It would allow for a greater focus on decision making by saving time from constantly seeking new members for tiny parish councils. Let’s use this opportunity to move forwards and recognise that we are one community.

I will take one issue with Bridport Town Council’s proposals however, Pymore should also be part of Bridport and not Symondsbury.

PETER LUCAS

Pymore