Praise for local businesses

Local businesses have been praised for their quality and professionalism by Farnrise Construction, the main contractors on the Town Hall Heritage and Conservation Project.  From the outset the project has sought to use local businesses where possible within the restrictions of the building’s Grade 1 listed status. Speaking about Bridport based company Weller, who have undertaken the complex scaffolding contract for the project, Farnrise site manage Keith Fiddyment said “Weller’s work is certainly up with the best and I am extremely pleased with the scaffold. For once in my life it has been a pleasure to work with scaffolders. Weller’s men were polite, and very professional in the way they carried out their work.” A number of other local businesses have been involved in the restoration project including AP Chant who are undertaking all the mechanical and electrical work together with roof repairs. Town Surveyor Daryl Chambers said “it makes complete sense to use local companies and supplies wherever possible.  Not only is it putting money into the local economy but it also means that we have companies on our doorstep with experience and knowledge of the building to help us manage and maintain it in the future.” Overall the project is estimated to be placing in excess of £300,000 worth of work with local businesses. Dave Arnold, manager of Travis Perkins said, “We are happy to be the main supplier of building materials to the Town Hall and Farnrise Construction who are doing thousands of pounds worth of business with us in Bridport.”

When completed, the building will be open to the public six days a week and available for the whole community to use. Town Clerk Bob Gillis said, “when finished, the Town Hall will truly be the focal point of the town, welcoming visitors and providing fantastic facilities for the local community. It is a major project for the local area, which in the long term will serve to attract additional visitors to the town and enable a greater variety of town centre activities and events.”