THE man spearheading the multi-million pound Jurassica Project has ruled out combining with the MEMO Project.

Science journalist Michael Hanlon provided a project update at a special community lunch hosted on Portland.

The Jurassica Project will celebrate the unique geological heritage of the Jurassic Coast.

The MEMO project, also to be situated on Portland, aims to commemorate extinct species and protect those still existing.

Business leaders, councillors and community groups gathered for Dorset Community Action’s ‘Working With You’ event at St John’s Hall, in Fortuneswell, on Tuesday.

Those who attended the lunch could view an updated action plan for the Underhill area, designed to tailor groups and service providers’ services to the priority needs of the area Mayor of Weymouth and Portland, Cllr Kate Wheller, and Mayor of Portland, Rob Hughes were among the attendees.

Cllr Sandy West, who represents Underhill for Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, asked whether the Jurassica Project could ever combine with the MEMO Project.

Mr Hanlon said: “The two projects will not merge.

“We will cooperate as much as we possibly can. I think the most important thing is we present a united voice.

“The two projects have separate boards of trustees and we will maintain our separate identities for the time being.”

Mr Hanlon said an issue that was often brought to him was a potential traffic problem that could be created by the Jurassica Project.

He said: “Portland has had a traffic issue for decades. There’s nothing new there. We actually have no intention at all of making things worse.

Mr Hanlon said ideas had been considered for parking both on and off the island.

He said: “We want you to love Jurassica – not for you to want us to go away.”

The project has attracted support from the likes of David Attenborough and Eden Project founder Tim Smith.

Mr Hanlon confirmed the project was looking to appoint a local trustee at some point in the near future with several candidates in mind.

The project is planning to apply for major funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund in November.