Councillors hit back at claims not enough is being done to tackle deprivation in Weymouth and Portland

As reported in the Echo, community leaders have said enough is still not being done one year after the Observer report that called the town a ‘graveyard of ambition.’ The Echo was told that the number of people visiting food banks is rising and that the same issues are still being brought up.

Councillor Mike Byatt, economic development brief holder for Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, argues that the borough is on the up.

He said: “Weymouth and Portland are wonderful places that are on the up.

"A lot of work is being done by many groups to boost our economy and build a more dynamic future.”

He cited the Town Centre Masterplan, which he hopes will provide the vision to attract future jobs and prosperity.

It was one of five projects Earlier this year it won Government Growth Deal Funding from the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, being awarded £600,000.

Cllr Byatt also said that despite closures in the area, the local economy is showing healthy signs with unemployment well below the national average.

Cllr Byatt also wanted to highlight some of the area’s natural assets.

He added: “As well as the new found energy and dynamism we also have the most amazing natural splendours on our doorstep, our Jurassic Coast.

“We have arguably the best beach in the country now set off beautifully following the successful Seafront Regeneration Project, part of the £3.5million project to improve Weymouth seafront.”

However, Cllr Byatt did recognise the problems being presented in the area.

He said: “We are not complacent. We want to make sure the benefits of prosperity are spread across all our communities. The causes of inequality are multiple and complex and cannot be tackled by the council alone.”

The council is supporting the Working with You initiative in Littlemoor, Melcombe Regis, Underhill and Westham which alongside partners is tackling long-term health issues, poor housing quality, crime and social isolation.

Cllr Byatt said that by improving the economy they will provide ‘better life chances’ for residents.

He said: “I hope people recognise and support the hard work that is being done. Weymouth and Portland will have a great future if we all pull together and believe in ourselves.”

His optimism was supported by Cllr Ian Bruce, who said: He said: “We have been promised £600,00 Growth Deal Funding for our implementation of the long awaited Town Centre Masterplan, Osprey Quay, Portland Port, Jurassica, MEMO, Hix Academy, lots more housing being built now, new industrial units and much more too numerous to mention.

“Of course it could all be better but I am backing our Borough to continue to be number one is so many ways.”