An application for metal detectorists to search on Dorchester Town Council owned land at Salisbury Field, and on other sites owned by the authority, has been rejected.

Town clerk Adrian Stuart said that to allow it would 'open a can of worms' and pave the way for other requests – or worse, encourage illegal use.

He said that the request had come from a responsible enthusiast but said that much of the town's land was close to adjoining historic sites, including the town's Roman walks, which could be damaged by digging.

The online town council meeting on Wednesday evening heard that some sites in the town, including Maumbury Rings, are scheduled ancient monuments where it is illegal to us a metal detector.