New hope Bridport's Torchlight Procession could be saved
West Dorset's MP has met with National Highways to talk about saving Bridport's Torchlight Procession
West Dorset MP Chris Loder called National Highways to an urgent summit last week at the Crown Roundabout to discuss the continuation of the Bridport Torchlight procession in the summer next year.
The annual event's under threat as road bosses no longer want it crossing the A35, due to safety concerns and complaints from motorists.
Mr Loder took officials from National Highways on the 19th November to the Crown Roundabout, Bridport and made clear that there needs to be an urgent solution to ensure the Torchlight can continue.
Mr Loder said “I have made crystal clear to National Highways that the prevention of the Torchlight procession over the refusal to find a solution would be a disaster for the town and the heritage of our community. I am hopeful, that following a subsequent discussion in the new year, that we can make substantial progress towards finding a solution that will ensure it can continue”.
The West Dorset MP, with the support of Will Austin, the Bridport Town Clerk is to convene a meeting with all the relevant authorities on his behalf to find a solution in the new year when a further update with be forthcoming.