Justine McGuinness, West Dorset Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson, met West Bay Harbourmaster Tony Preston yesterday to see first-hand the hard work carried out at the busy harbour. West Bay harbourmaster Tony Preston returned to duty from holiday this week and laughed off complaints about being ‘inappropriately dressed’.

Readers flooded the Bridport News with letters of protest after one resident wrote to the town council criticising Mr Preston because he was ‘difficult to distinguish from any workman around the harbour.’

Justine McGuinness and town councillor Martin Ray braved freezing winds yesterday to tour the harbour and offer their support to Mr Preston who told them: ‘All I need is a bike-horn and a tutu.’

Wearing his clearly-marked harbourmaster’s jacket, he told Ms McGuinness that he was more often seen in a drysuit, securing the mooring chains in the soft mud on the harbour floor or removing dead sheep from its waters.

Justine McGuinness commented:
‘West Bay helps drive our local economy. Many people’s jobs and businesses depend on visitors to West Bay. The hard work that Tony Preston puts in to keep the habour safe and running smoothly should be supported. With the opening of the new pier only weeks away, Tony is obviously in for a busy season.’

Mr Preston is now preparing for the formal opening by Prince Andrew of the Jurassic pier on March 8.

Following months of hard work led by local Liberal Democrats, the campaign to save Bridport’s Town Hall toilets has had a significant boost. Bridport Town Council’s Finance and General Purposes Committee has agreed to negotiate. Over 3,000 people have now signed the Liberal Democrats petition to Save the Loos and the campaign has been supported by a wide range of local people and businesses.

Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson, Justine McGuinness commented: “This result has come about by local people working together for a common cause - to save our loos! While they are certainly not the greatest facilities, the Town Hall toilets are used by 250 people an hour and are clearly needed.

“Bridport was shocked and angry by the District Council’s terrible decision to close these loos. It is excellent that our local Town Councillors are working hard to keep the toilets open. I wish them every success in their negotiations with the District Council.”

Bridport is a market town and a tourist town being a Jurassic Coast Gateway town. Both visitors and local residents need toilet facilities.

The proposed closure would affect businesses in Bridport in particular - cafes in South Street are only allowed to sell drinks if there are toilets within easy reach and Bridport market traders rely on the facilities.

Matthew Taylor MP speaks out in Bridport Leading Liberal Democrat, Matthew Taylor MP will speak to an audience of local business people and Bridport residents, tonight at the Bridport Town Hall.

He will talk about the importance of cutting red tape, creating business opportunities and supporting local businesses, particularly in rural communities.

Matthew Taylor MP will join Justine McGuinness tonight in calling on the Government not to go ahead with plans to charge for school transport.

Local Liberal Democrat campaigner, Justine McGuinness, will warn that school transport services in rural West Dorset are under threat by Government plans to abolish free school buses.

The Government plans to remove free travel for children who travel more than three miles to school (two miles for those under eight). Ms McGuinness is asking people to sign her petition at www.west-dorset-libdems.org.uk/saveourbuses.

Justine McGuinness commented: “I am delighted that Matthew Taylor is coming to Bridport tonight. This Government seems determined to hit all things rural. Matthew will talk about the Liberal Democrats’s vision for a vibrant rural economy.”

On behalf of Justine McGuinness the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary spokesperson for West Dorset Invitation to Matthew Taylor visit May 13th.

Mathew Taylor MP for Truro - Cornwall will be addressing members of the Bridport Business community and surrounding areas at Bridport Town Hall this Thursday. The talk will start at 7pm till 8pm; there will be an opportunity to talk to Mr Taylor after his presentation.

Anyone wishing to attend should contact Louise Taylor on 01305 261054.