THE Minister for Housing and Coastal Communities, Brandon Lewis MP, visited Weymouth this morning to discuss the future ambition of the town, particularly in relation to Melcombe Regis and housing.

Mr Lewis said: "We had a walk around Weymouth and saw right across the town. It was really interesting in seeing the ambition and determination of the town and see things moving forward.

"There are great relationships in Weymouth. Hopefully we get some good results in the election and councillors continue to deliver. The elections are important but no matter what we say it is the guys on the ground that deliver.

"What matters most is what matters to the residents - if that's a pothole at the end of their street or their rubbish collection then so be it. 

"We had some really positive feedback when we talked to the residents."

Matt Prosser, chief executive and Stephen Hill, strategic director for North Dorset District Council, West Dorset District Council and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, Clive Milone, head of housing, Cllr Ian Bruce, Cllr Kevin Brookes, Cllr Jeff Cant, Cllr Jason Osborne, Rachel Partridge from Public Health Dorset and representatives of the local community joined Mr Lewis on his tour of the town.

Mr Lewis was shown along the Pier Bandstand, along the esplanade and around the Park District before walking to the Commercial Road offices, which councillors will be moving to on April 11, before having a political group meeting with local candidates and councillors, leaders from Dorset Councils Partnership and housing briefholders at the North Quay council offices.

The issue of transport links in and out of Weymouth, particularly the London train which takes nearly three hours, was raised to Mr Lewis.

He said: "We recognise this challenge. I myself have a similar one. I live 120 miles from London and it takes two and a half hours. We need to make sure we are making use of our transport funding. When we are building housing we are making sure we are thinking of transport links."

Mr Lewis also discussed the idea of affordable homes versus the idea of starter homes.

He said: "Starter homes are going to creative affordable homes to buy. This will be for first time buyers under the age of 40, with the exception of military. They will be sold with at least a 20 per cent discount.

"First time buyers were hit hardest in the recession - 86 per cent of our population want to own their own homes and we want to support that.

"It was a great first visit to Weymouth."

Cllr Bruce added: "We are going to make this happen. We are not going to just have lots of fancy plans we will make it happen come what may."