DORSET residents are being urged to have their say on the future plans for the county's minerals and waste.

Planners at Dorset County Council are looking at what households, businesses and the economy will need over the next 16 years.

They will be asking residents their opinions on a number of sites to manage waste including household recycling centres and facilities for treating different types of waste.

The county council says its team is working closely with colleagues at district and borough level to ensure increased waste resulting from new housing developments is factored into plans for the future.

Residents are also being asked what they think of sites to be allocated for quarrying raw materials such as sand, gravel, Purbeck Stone, Portland Stone and ball clay, which the construction industry relies on for building projects.

Cllr Colin Jamieson, cabinet member for economy and growth, said: "Planning for the future needs of Dorset residents is vital for our economic future.

"Having enough quarries will help create jobs and livelihoods for a successful county.

"Providing modern waste management solutions in appropriate areas will reduce transportation, keeping congestion down on our busy roads.

"They will also help us maximise recycling and divert waste from landfill sites."

The consultation started this week and finishes on September 23.

Exhibitions include an event at Brownsword Hall in Poundbury from 3pm to 7pm on Wednesday, July 29 and at Tesco on Portland from 3pm to 7pm on Tuesday, August 11.

Further events are being held at Dorchester Library on Tuesday, September 1 from 3pm, to 6.30pm, at Moreton Village Hall from 3pm to 7pm on Thursday, September 3 and at Wareham Corn Exchange on Wednesday, September 9 from 3pm to 7pm.

The plans can also be found online at dorsetforyou.com/mwdf or can be viewed at County Hall in Dorchester or any of the district and borough council offices.