RESIDENTS are being urged to share their views at a public meeting this week discussing the future of the old Army camp in Wyke Regis, which has been earmarked as a traveller and gypsy site.

The Wyke Regis Community Association meeting which is open to the public will also hear about an alternative proposal for the site – a historic military attraction.

And there will be discussions about the future of the Value House site at Wyke which has been earmarked for residential development.

In July last year the Echo revealed that the prime Army camp site overlooking Chesil Beach was one of eight locations shortlisted as a permanent or transit site throughout the county.

The camp is on the edge of the West Dorset District Council and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council boundary and has been deemed to have the potential for six pitches.

Councils across Dorset have been searching for a county-wide solution to provide sites for travellers since 2010.

Last year, Dorset County Council’s cabinet agreed not to object to the old camp being considered for a traveller site.

Hundreds of residents have signed a petition urging councillors not to place a site in the area.

The Wyke Regis Community Association is now inviting people to come along to a public meeting at 7pm this Wednesday at the Memorial Hall in All Saints Road.

The meeting will look at issues such as the future of the old Army camp and the proposed redevelopment of the Value House store site in Mandeville Road, which lies next to the camp.

The future of the Value House site remains uncertain, after 38 homes were proposed for the site off Mandeville Road in June.

Around 50 jobs are at risk if the popular Weymouth store closes.

At the meeting there will also be a chance to quiz local politicians as MPs, local and district councillors have also been invited.

Louise Mason of the Wyke Regis Community Association said: “We would encourage people to come along to the meeting and share their views.

“The meeting gives the chance for everyone in the community to hear the most up to date information about the various proposals on offer with the Value House site and the old Army camp.

“People can also share information with one another.

“There will also be a presentation from Stephen George of the WW2 Preservation Society regarding an alternative plan for the old Army camp. He wants to create a WW2 D-Day Camp at the site and is interested in people’s views.”

All residents and businesses are welcome to attend the meeting. Entry is free and tea or coffee is £1.

For more information v Visit WykeRegisCommunityAssociation.co.uk or facebook.com/wykeregiscommunityassociation.