COUNCIL chiefs are working with the community on action plans to tackle issues in Weymouth and Portland’s deprived wards.

Four ‘priority’ areas in the borough – Littlemoor, Melcombe Regis, Portland Underhill and Westham – are the focus of the Working with You project.

The council wants to work with people in these communities and bring together groups with the aim of tackling crime and health problems and improving the quality of life for residents.

An update on progress was being given to the council’s management committee today.

Consultation events took place last year to highlight what work was needed.

A report to the committee says the events identified a number of similar issues and action plans have been drawn up to reflect this. Funding is being investigated to finance projects.

The plans will cover issues such as health and wellbeing (childhood obesity, poor diet and lifestyle); community safety (anti-social behaviour, drug and alcohol offences); targeted activities (lack of youth facilities, activities for older people); enterprise, education and skills (long-term unemployment, skills-based training); local environment and facilities (access to nature, green space for community, play facilities); communication (engagement and involvement).

Examples of the projects being developed or already underway include a community laundrette, a job club and a cycling project at Littlemoor.

In Melcombe Regis projects include a Graffiti Action team and a Summer Action Squad, and increased awareness of the gull-proof bag scheme. In Westham there is the Westham 130 celebrations, a Post a Problem Box initiative and a bike project.

At Underhill there is the Muntsy’s Road Safety Campaign, Young Advisors and the development of a former library building into a Community Hub.

The council’s head of community planning and development Jane Nicklen says in the report: “The plans are living, working documents that capture the activity planned and undertaken by a range of partners, both organisations and community groups, to deliver identified local priorities.

“At the latest count this involves 130 local partners.”