BRIDPORT businesses have called for government support amid the energy crisis and rising inflation - with one trader describing rocketing bills as 'catastrophic'.

Traders have expressed concern for their livelihoods and are urging people to continue to support their local high street.

As energy prices soar, concerns are growing for businesses which face an uncertain future.

Washingpool Farm near Bridport, which has a shop, restaurant and holiday business, saw its energy bill for August increase by more than £7,000 compared to the previous year.

Simon Holland, a partner at Washingpool Farm said: “It’s very worrying. I knew it was coming, but not to that extent. We can’t sustain that sort of thing; my annual bill has gone up from £19,000 to £71,000 a year.

"It's not just us facing problems, we support 200 local businesses."

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: Simon Holland, Partner at Washingpool Farm holding their most recent electricity billSimon Holland, Partner at Washingpool Farm holding their most recent electricity bill

Mr Holland said due to problems with the electricity provider, he was out of a contract. The business now has long term plans to compensate for the increase such as considering installing solar panels.

Elsewhere in the town centre, owner of The Bookshop Antonia Squire said: “This is catastrophic for small businesses. We don’t have a price cap on our energy bills and mine have more than doubled.

“However, how do I ask people to support us who are trying to figure out how they are going to support themselves?

“We are still in good shape, our customers are amazing, but something has got to give and at a Government level."

There is high praise for the Bridport community, which traders say tends to stick together at tough times like these.

Julia, owner of Chilli by The Sea said: “We have got a fantastic community, we are very lucky and Bridport people do support us, it’s just uncertain times for everyone and we just keep a smile on our face and just keep swimming."

Geraldine Baker, landlady of the Ropemakers pub said: "We are of course worried about the cost-of-living crisis, both for our business and for our customers. So far we haven't seen a great deal of change in the way our customers are thinking and spending and we are hugely grateful to all of them for making this the vibrant pub that it is.

"The winter could be very hard, however, Bridport is a very special town and we feel sure that people will continue to support us, our wonderful staff, suppliers and musicians over the comings months."

Rob Muhl, President, Bridport Business Chamber of Trade and Commerce advises that people should 'hope for the best, but plan for the worst'.

He added: "It is likely that many businesses, particularly in hospitality and tourism may have to make changes to deal with what the next few months may hold.

“Coming out of two years of Covid restrictions and its aftermath, it is disappointing in the extreme that this winter looks set to be so difficult for so many. We hope that businesses had a good summer and have reserves to get them through the winter.

“Ahead there may be changes to opening hours, or price rises that are simply beyond any local control, but please, do continue to shop locally and support the Totally Locally Bridport with the Magic Tenner campaign, which helps us all help each other.”

New Prime Minister Liz Truss has been urged to "get a grip on energy crisis" by Dorset's Chamber of Commerce.

Chief executive Ian Girling said: “In such a hugely challenging climate, we require strong leadership. Immediate areas upon which Ms Truss will need to concentrate are clearly the economy and obviously the need to get a serious grip on inflation and the energy crisis while giving business the support that it badly needs."