Bridport becomes Dorset's first Wessex Watermark Town

It recognises work to meet environmental and social goals

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 11th Jun 2024

Bridport has become Dorset’s first recognised Wessex Watermark Town, after completing a successful pilot project with the local water and sewerage company.

The civic award was presented following a two-year Community Connectors programme, with individuals, groups and organisations working together to on shared environmental and social goals in the town.

Wessex Water provided more than £28,000 of funding to six projects - all aimed at resolving issues relating to water, wastewater, society and the environment.

The money went towards things like garden improvements, river water quality monitoring, creating a nature trail and installing two drinking water refill points.

An educational map was also produced for schools to show where Bridport’s water comes from, how much is used and what happens after it goes down the drain.

Wessex Water’s Head of Community Engagement Kirsty Scarlett presented the Watermark to Caroline Pearce, Community Initiatives Officer at Bridport Town Council.

The Watermark award's handed over to Bridport Town Council from Wessex Water

Kirsty said: “One of the most important things about the pilot project has been learning how to work more closely with the Bridport community to make positive changes.

“We’ve looked at different, positive ways to engage and work with our customers to meet shared goals and challenges around the changing climate and future water resources.

“Beyond the end of the project, we’re looking to continue to develop our relationship with communities. That means increasing access and information for local people, such as providing drop-in sessions for regular in-person support – these will be held every other month from July onwards in Bridport.

“We’ll be taking everything we’ve learned from the project and making it available to more towns in our region, with the Watermark status rewarding those who value water and understand the supply and waste systems.”

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