AUTHORITIES say they're working to make life better in Weymouth after a grim picture emerged of a borough blighted by crime, deprivation, ill health, low wages and under performing schools.

The Dorset Echo has highlighted some of the problems the town is facing in a series of articles over the last few months.

While Weymouth is a popular destination, it has suffered from a lack of investment and opportunity and remains a low-pay economy with few large employers.

Resident Pete Barrow asked what authorities were doing to tackle problems at a meeting of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

Council Chief Executive Matt Prosser, leader Cllr Jeff Cant, Dorset County Council Chief Executive Debbie Ward, Dorset PCC Martyn Underhill and South Dorset MP Richard Drax have now responded in a letter, outlining work going on to improve things.

They highlighted work by the Melcombe Regis Board to improve quality of life in the town centre and the Working with You initiative tackling problems in Littlemoor, Melcombe Regis, Underhill and Westham.

They cannot confirm whether Weymouth has the lowest pay in the country and point to data from the Office for National Statistics which states the gross weekly average full time earnings for Weymouth and Portland is around £500, which is not the lowest, and is an increase on the previous year.

They add: "However, it is true that the number of jobs earning less than living wage is higher than in some other parts of Dorset. This reflects the type of employment, such as seasonal work in accommodation and food services.

"We have a vision – the Town Centre Masterplan – to attract more quality jobs and improve prosperity."

With regard to anti-social behaviour in the town centre, the team highlight work going on to address underlying causes, the powers police have and plans to do youth outreach work.

Sergeant Andy Jenkins, of Weymouth Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “I want to reassure the public that we have identified the group of teenagers involved in incidents of ASB over the last few weeks. We have put in place dedicated police officers who will directly target these individuals and, where appropriate, look to put them before the courts. Where there is a clear necessity offenders will be arrested. We also have other enforcement options we are considering, including criminal behaviour orders and dispersal orders.”

Regarding open drug taking and dealing, Inspector Steve Yeoman: “Tackling drug misuse and dealing is a priority and we fully understand how it impacts on the community.

“Some residents who report drug misuse and dealing may believe we take no action, but not all reports warrant an immediate police response. I want to reassure the public that we use all reports of drug misuse and dealing to gain an intelligence picture and gather necessary evidence to target drug dealers and safeguard vulnerable people."

Mr Underhill said: "We know there are links between drug and alcohol misuse and offending behaviour, (and a drug recovery hub) has the potential to reduce crime by providing tailored, professional support to those who need it."

The letter also highlights work supporting schools to make sure pupils in the area reach their full potential, work to help rough sleepers and tackle homelessness and provide more housing, work to tackle child obesity, supporting people with mental health issues, and raising life expectancy rates.

SUMMARISING, the letter says: "There are complex challenges facing us. We, the providers of public services, recognise this. We are working hard, and increasingly together, to improve things.

"While not in any way detracting from the problems facing us, it is also important to celebrate what is great about Weymouth and Portland.

"We have one of the best beaches in the country, set off beautifully following the successful Seafront Regeneration Project. We have the most amazing natural environment on our door step. We are known internationally as one of the best places for sailing. We have lots of wonderful award-winning parks and gardens.

"We also have an engaged community, who are passionate to work with us to improve things."