Fury as UK seaside town hammered as ‘Dorset’s rectum’ by outspoken columnist

Furious locals have hit back after their town was labelled as “Dorset’s rectum”. They have defended the seaside resort, insisting that it remains one of the most beautiful areas of the UK.

Rod Liddle, who has been described as “one of the most outspoken” figures in British journalism, launched an attack on Weymouth, in Dorset, following the Elf Parade in the town last weekend. The controversial columnist described the town as “Dorset’s rectum” in his piece in the Sunday Times.

However, readers of the Dorset Echo have now replied to comments. They even invited Mr Liddle to Weymouth so “he can see what he’s missing”.

As reported by the publication, one regular visitor to Weymouth said: “He’s wrong, now retired we don’t do foreign travel so have adopted Weymouth as our go to getaway.

“We find it dog friendly, the locals are friendly and helpful, there is lots going on no matter what time of year you visit, and most of all the weather is mild.”

A second added: “When my children were little, we found plenty to do for free. Weymouth is beautiful.” A third said: “And that is why people from all over England move here is it?

“It is the most attractive, social and picturesque seaside town in Dorset. I love living here.”

A fourth resident said that while Weymouth has it’s “challenges”, they love living in the town.

The resident said: “What’s my gain is Liddle’s loss. Frankly I find his comments ignorant and sad. Someone who clearly can’t open his mind to beautiful spaces and friendly people.”

Earlier this year, the Daily Express visited Weymouth to find that it is now “back to its best” after recent struggles. The town attracts around two million day trippers every year and is particularly popular in the hot summer months.

This summer, Weymouth welcomed the Observation Wheel to its central beach. The attraction, which stood 26 metres tall and could hold 108 passengers, gave visitors amazing views of the town and was compared to the iconic Ferris Wheel in Skegness.

Weymouth was also honoured as the UK’s top beach and the 20th best in all of Europe earlier this year. This marked the fourth consecutive year that it has clinched the top position in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards.