Before moving to West Bay in 2014 my family had holidayed there for over 40 years. Back then it was a minor holiday venue.

Following the success of the Broadchurch TV series, our visitor numbers seemed to triple. Staycation numbers then escalated as the pandemic hit, bringing a huge increase in revenue for the local economy.

Naturally for a small market town such as Bridport this is good news for small businesses, but not for local residents left with a barrage of litter, dog mess to clear up, nor the strain on our ambulance, police and helicopter rescue services overwhelmed due to the irresponsible behaviour of holidaymakers.

The Mayor of Bridport Cllr Ian Bark recently wrote about this, endorsing the escalation in property sales and welcoming newcomers here saying what a great place Bridport is to live.

In reality the stream of London money has pushed property prices up, resulting in offers between £40k-£100k over the asking price.

In reality this flood of buyers, who are mostly either holiday homes or income generating lets, has made it impossible for locals to move within the Bridport area and, nigh on impossible for young folk born and bred here to get a foot on the property ladder with the exception of the few pre-Magna or shared housing properties which rarely come up for sale.

Ann Knox

West Bay