Dorset, with its serene countryside and charming coastal towns, seems like a place where life’s troubles would melt away. However, the locals have a fine array of grievances that fuel their conversations and keep the tea flowing. Here’s a detailed look at what really gets under their skin:
1. Car Parking Prices: A Never-Ending Outrage
Car parking charges in Dorset are a constant source of ire. For instance, in Lyme Regis, where parking fees can reach up to £4 per hour during the summer months, locals and visitors alike grumble about the extortionate costs. A recent increase in charges in Weymouth’s seaside car parks sparked outrage, with one irate resident remarking, “They’re charging us for the pleasure of visiting our own beaches!” Despite complaints, the council insists that lowering the fees are a priority but are are necessary to manage the high volume of visitors and maintain local facilities.
2. Fly-Tipping: The Unforgivable Sin
Fly-tipping in Dorset is a persistent issue that drives locals to despair. In 2023, the town of Dorchester was plagued by illegal dumping of garden waste and old furniture on the outskirts, leading to a significant cleanup operation. Residents were particularly incensed when a pile of discarded construction materials was left by a popular walking trail near Puddletown Forest. The sight of these unsightly messes led to angry comments, emails and community meetings dedicated to combating the problem, with many pointing fingers at neighbouring counties as the culprits. Little evidence was found though to support this.
3. Cyclists: The Scourge of the Lanes
Cyclists are a frequent cause of frustration, especially the money spent on cycleways to create safer spaces. Locals across the county complain about cyclists while cyclists complain about motorists. Apparently all the problems would cease if cyclists were forced to pay road tax. It will be a pedestrian tax next.
4. Tailbacks: The Ultimate Inconvenience
Tailbacks are a frequent annoyance, particularly on the single-lane roads that characterise much of Dorset. The annual Great Dorset Steam Fair is a particular culprit, drawing large crowds and causing traffic jams for miles around. During the event in August 2023, a queue of vehicles stretched back over five miles, with locals fuming about the gridlock and the impact on their daily routines. “It’s like sitting in a car park for hours,” one exasperated driver noted. Traffic lights and holiday makers are also part of the whinge list.
5. Empty Shops: The Ghosts of High Streets Past
The sight of empty shops on high streets is a constant source of disappointment. In Bridport, as across the county, many once-thriving local businesses have closed down, leaving behind vacant storefronts and for-sale signs. The closure of the iconic Bridport Bookshop in 2022, a beloved institution, led to an outpouring of dismay on social media, with many lamenting the loss of local charm and character. Efforts to revitalise the area with modern shops and eateries have often met with resistance from locals who yearn for the past.
6. The Sun: A Double-Edged Sword
While the sun is usually welcome, its arrival often brings more visitors than locals can handle. The picturesque beaches of Bournemouth, for example, become overcrowded during sunny spells, leading to complaints about litter and overcrowding. During the heatwave of July 2023, locals grumbled about the influx of day-trippers who not only filled up every inch of the beach but also contributed to a spike in littering. “It’s like the whole of London decides to descend on us,” complained one Bournemouth resident. Throw in those who long for the gloom of winter and the sun has a lot to answer for.
7. People Who Are Non-White: A Rare and Unsettling Sighting
Dorset’s lack of diversity sometimes leads to unease when people from different ethnic backgrounds are seen in the area. For example, when a multicultural festival was held in Poole in 2022, it was met with mixed reactions. Some locals viewed it with curiosity and openness, while others expressed discomfort, reflecting the slow pace of change in this predominantly homogeneous county. The sight of non-white visitors or residents often becomes a talking point, highlighting the county’s struggle with diversity. None more so than the arrival of Bibby Stockholm which brought the racists out into the open like elephants in a pottery shop.
8. Litter: The Unforgivable Blight
Littering is a persistent problem in Dorset’s scenic areas. The beautiful coastline from Christchurch to Lyme Regis is often been marred by litter left behind by careless visitors and locals, including everything from plastic bottles to food wrappers. A clean-up effort in 2023 revealed that the beach was strewn with waste despite numerous bins and signs urging people to dispose of their rubbish properly. Locals often take to social media to express their frustration and organise community clean-up events.
9. Progressive Policies: A Direct Threat to Tradition
Progressive policies, such as the introduction of cycle lanes and electric vehicle charging points, often meet with resistance. In Weymouth, a proposed cycle lane project in 2023 sparked heated debates, with locals arguing that it would reduce parking spaces and disrupt the traditional look of the town. The push for more green spaces and renewable energy initiatives is often seen as a threat to the established way of life, with some residents grumbling that these changes are unnecessary and intrusive. Probably the same people who deny climate change but who knows?
10. Dog’s Mess: A Scourge on the Sidewalks
Dog fouling is a particular issue in Dorset’s villages, with incidents frequently leading to public outcry. In Lyme Regis, for instance, residents launched a campaign in 2023 to tackle the problem, highlighting cases where dog mess was left on pavements and in parks despite ample signage and dog waste bins. The sight of a freshly deposited pile of dog mess on the pavement can spark outrage, with locals often taking to community forums to express their disgust.
11. People with Empathy: Soft-Hearted Nonsense
Excessive empathy and progressive social initiatives are sometimes viewed with scepticism. For example, when a new initiative aimed at supporting refugees was introduced in Dorchester in 2022, it faced criticism from some quarters. Locals who prefer to focus on traditional issues or their own community’s needs viewed the initiative as misplaced. The sentiment is often summed up with the phrase, “Why not sort out our own problems first?” or “here come the wokes/do-gooders” suggesting a belief that local issues should take precedence over broader social concerns.
12. Unaffordable Housing: The Impossible Dream
Soaring housing prices are a significant frustration, particularly for younger residents and those on lower incomes. In the popular area of West Dorset, house prices have surged, making homeownership a distant dream for many locals. A recent modest sized property in Sherborne sold for £600,000, well above the average local salary, leading to widespread discontent. The influx of wealthy buyers from outside the county has exacerbated the issue, with long-time residents lamenting the loss of affordable housing.
13. Crime: An Ever-Present Worry (In Theory)
Even though Dorset is relatively safe, any instance of crime is blown out of proportion. A minor burglary in a town like Shaftesbury or a report of vandalism can stir up a storm of anxiety. In 2023, a single incident of graffiti in a local park led to an outcry about rising crime rates, with community meetings discussing ways to address the perceived increase in criminal activity. Despite statistical evidence showing a decrease in crime, locals remain heated and concerned.
14. Second Homes: The Ultimate Villain
Second homes are a major point of contention, particularly in picturesque towns like Lyme Regis and Weymouth. In 2022, a report highlighted that a significant percentage of properties in some areas were second homes, leading to local resentment. The presence of these properties, which are often left vacant for most of the year, is seen as contributing to the housing crisis and diminishing the vibrancy of communities. Locals are frustrated that their towns are becoming playgrounds for the wealthy rather than thriving, mixed-use communities.
15. The Rain: A Never-Ending Nuisance
Rain, though a common British complaint, is especially grating in Dorset. A single rainy day can ruin planned events or outings, from the annual Dorset County Show to the local farmers’ market in Blandford Forum. In August 2023, a series of persistent showers caused significant disruption, with locals expressing their frustration about the “unpredictable weather” ruining their summer plans. The constant battle with soggy weather often leads to complaints about the county’s supposed ill-fated climate.
In Dorset, each of these grievances is a small but significant piece of the local tapestry, shaping daily life and sparking conversation across the county. Whether it’s the frustration with parking fees or the challenges of handling the weather, these issues keep the community engaged and their spirits resilient.
What gets under your skin?
Let us know in the comments.
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