WITH VIDEO: Bid to improve central Weymouth blighted by ill health, poor housing and crime

Authorities will work to improve the Melcombe Regis ward which suffers from “serious inequalities” – a resident there is four times as likely to die prematurely as someone from Preston, less than two miles away. Life expectancy for men in Melcombe Regis is almost 10 years lower than for men in Preston.

Map showing part of Melcombe Regis and Preston

While acting as the gateway to Weymouth and being home to the vibrant shopping centre, transport hubs and the award-winning beach, Melcombe Regis is the most deprived area in the borough and within the 20 per cent most deprived areas in the country.

A joined-up approach is required involving different agencies to look at the issues, a report says.

It says the area is within the worst 3 per cent nationally for deaths under 65.

Melcombe Regis also has the worst housing stock in Weymouth and Portland, and the highest proportion of social care users and vulnerable families.

Police have been working with the community to tackle crime, but there has been an increase recently in serious violent crime and sexual violence, while the area continues to be blighted by drug dealing, street drinking and anti-social behaviour.

A report to Weymouth and Portland Borough Council's Management Committee next week recommends setting up a strategic board to help Melcombe Regis, backed by £150,000 worth of funding to improve housing and support the work of the group.

The strategic board, made up of people from various organisations including the police, council, and health bodies, would work with the community to support regeneration and chase funding.

Led by a project manager, the board would seek to better support vulnerable people, improve job opportunities, increase the quality of green space, tackle drug issues, improve housing stock, and enable residents to talk about crime and safety concerns in communities "without fear of reprisal".

The report says: "Melcombe Regis has a rich history and many attributes, which establish it at the heart of Weymouth. Through its diverse nature and characteristics, it is a home to long-standing residents and also to those of a more transitory lifestyle.

"Crime and safety concerns have been lessened but underlying health, social and economic problems for some residents remain and are demonstrated in regional and national statistics. These are complex issues that require a strategic approach and concerted action over time to make a difference."

LOCAL GP Dr Jon Orrell said poor housing was a root cause of the high premature death rate and he welcomed proposals to set up a group to tackle the issues.

Dr Orrell said: "The area has many great features and people. Sadly in common with other seaside towns, the backstreets have poor housing.

"These areas then become attractive to cities looking to offload vulnerable people. Other towns faced with similar issues have improved by regenerating housing and seen better rules for renting.

"Damp, cold and expensive homes make children cough and depress adults. Warm, dry affordable homes will improve health."

Resident and member of the local community forum Dave Burchill said: "We're in the enviable position of being in the centre of town with the beach right there, yet we're blighted by problems.

"It's the first area people see when they arrive by bus or train and yet they're greeted with drinkers in the street and rubbish everywhere.

"We love it here but the problems are visible."