The Alfred Daily- 30th January by This Is Alfred published on 2021-01-29T19:37:10Z Shaftesbury’s newly-laid High Street road surface will be ripped up to lay a new water pipe. Cllr Derek Beer expects the town centre works to continue until 13th February. There have been several water main bursts during this week’s resurfacing. Wessex Water will now install a new pipe from the Town Hall to Muston's Lane. Derek says Wessex Water should have taken decisive action when the first burst occurred. “To come back on four consecutive days and dig a hole because there were more leaks was just barmy,’ he said, adding that Wessex Water ‘could have done better.’ Wessex Water say they 'could not have foreseen third-party damage' to their pipework. Affected businesses may be entitled to compensation. (1:15) Dorset Police have confirmed that armed officers were involved in an operation in Shaftesbury yesterday. (8:49) Flora Harvey has been touched by the support she's been given as she tries to find her mother's missing Cairn Terrier. Porridge disappeared down a hole near Donhead Sports Club on Tuesday. Flora remains optimistic, ‘you do hear amazing stories of dogs going missing for days and suddenly reappearing.’ She wants to find someone with equipment that can listen out for underground noises. (10:39) We're used to going online for business meetings and social occasions. But some Shaftesbury area communities still have painfully slow internet access. Caroline Pickett tells us how she copes when she ‘freezes’ during her Zoom Zumba classes broadcast from her Guy’s Marsh home. Caroline has received a 'reward' in recognition of her clients' appreciation of her classes. (13:38) Shaftesbury chicken-keeper Kate Scott discovered that her chickens reacted oddly when she said a certain word. They scattered. And Kate believes she’s been punished. The birds laid no eggs. (18:16) Paul Merefield’s hosts your Saturday quiz (9:24) Tom and Jan Perrett take us on a muddy walk, four miles around Motcombe. ‘It always amazes me is how it can be so muddy halfway up the hill,’ says Jan.(26:48) Shaftesbury book reviewer Karen Cole reviews ‘It will be quick’ by Karl Drinkwater, a collection of short stories. “I'd say it was a perfect read before bed,” said Karen. (31:52) Nick Crump shares another North Dorset nature recording- four long-tailed tits in Breach Lane. (38:41) --- You can listen to a new edition of Shaftesbury's radio show each day from 6am. Tune in at ThisIsAlfred.com. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Or listen to the programme using Alexa or Google Assistant.
