AS a resident of east Devon we usually wait until the end of the tourist season before crossing the border into Dorset so we haven’t visited West Bay for a while.

We were in for a surprise - immediately got caught in roadworks (overhead power lines being replaced) and got diverted down a narrow side road to get to the harbour.

Cars parked either side made progress difficult - with cars coming the other way. Just a thought - when a diversion is planned down a narrow road (there is NO other access to the harbour) then STOP cars parking either side!

We finally found a car park and was surprised to see the ticket machines are now card only. The joys of progress.

READ: 'Bridport roads need safe crossing points like the French have'

Put my trusty debit card into the slot. Nothing - machine did not respond. Tried my credit card. Nothing again.

By this time we were getting thoroughly fed up and considered driving back to Bridport’s Groves Garden Centre (with free parking) and walking in from there. Finally spotted a contactless symbol low down on the machine next to Apple Pay and Google Pay (which we haven’t got). Miracle! Card accepted.

READ: 'Bridport lorry crash would have been better handled by the French'

By this time we were dying to go to the loo. Found toilets were open - thank you - but in darkness (no windows) and no water to wash hands.

Dorset is supposedly full of millionaires - are the loos at Sandbanks in darkness? Will not be visiting West Bay again for some time.

Peter Butler

Seaton, Devon