I HAVE just attended the public consultation for the proposed housing estates to be built on the old Royal Manor and Southwell school sites but how did we end up here?

I firmly believe the relocation of Portland’s main school which was done against the will of the people and council was done so with the sole purpose of making these sites available for housing.

I have to admit that the proposed plans are presented very well and would be lovely locations in which to live but why is there nobody overseeing the development of infrastructure to accommodate the ever increasing population?

We have been left with an education system which is not fit for purpose in a remote location that requires most students to be driven to school.

Also, a health service which is already full to capacity, no land being made available for local business growth which means no room for growth in employment, a badly decaying road network, no development of after school clubs or a youth club to replace the one lost at Royal Manor, a massive increase in road traffic movement around the island as well as constant gridlock getting on and off the island.

Surely all these issues need to be addressed before we consider increasing the population with more housing.

PETER BOWER JNR Sweet Hill Road Portland