NEARLY 100 people who packed a public meeting were urged to throw their weight behind alternative plans for the St Michael’s Trading Estate in Bridport.

There was standing room only in the newly-refurbished Bridport Town Hall as proposals from the Enterprise St Michael’s Ltd group were set out.

Directors of the organisation, registered as an Industrial and Provident Society, urged people to buy £1 shares and pay an annual £9 subscription fee.

Estate owner Clive Hayward, whose company Haywards & Co has lodged plans for the site, insisted that it was not for sale.

But members of Enterprise St Michael’s said that they wanted to be a in a position to move if circumstances changed or it ever came on the market.

Director Richard Payne-Withers said: “We want to take the estate and keep its eclectic feel.

“But we also want to take it forward and make it a more attractive place.

“We know it’s not for sale.

“But we need to be prepared for the time if they decide it is for sale.”

Haywards have lodged an outline planning application for 105 homes, including 35 affordable homes as well as commercial units.

The Red Brick Café, the Auction House and artists’ studios are among those to be retained.