Whether it is age that makes one reflect, cynicism or headlines that catches one’s eye, what ever the reasons I wonder how many escapees to the country will choose Dorset as a place to retire, in the future, to get away from it all.

Whilst we do have green fields on our doorstep these at present are farmed to feed the population which is increasing.

I wonder for how long with building works going up in every conceivable space, and very little infrastructure to sustain this increase in the population, who enjoys the comforts of modern living.

Escapees state they want vistas, peace and quiet, no road noise or few neighbours, live in or on the outskirts of a village with all the facilities of the high street which incidentally is changing quickly with the closure of many well known high street stores.

I have yet to discover amenities that are wanted by the populous in many villages as shops, post offices etc have long closed and bus services to many are like the dinosaur.

Poundbury, Brewery Square and other housing developments appear not to meet the criteria of some of the house buyers, price, mortgages do not make buying a new home, certainly in Dorchester, an achievable proposition for those on the average wage.

The council adding money to the affordable housing will only help a few as £350,000 will not go far with the builder asking 75 per cent of the house price.

Also these houses are going to be built in Portesham making it difficult for the low paid worker to commute.

The Sunday papers stated the amount of green spaces for recreational use in London outweighs by far that of Dorchester and with the constant threat of houses being built on playing areas the green spaces Dorchester will have will be diminished even further.

Once upon a time there was a town plan, where building only extended to that boundary now we seem to have ad hoc planning with little thought for the future, isn’t it time we seriously thought about what is best for Dorchester rather than instant fame and gold trimmed pockets?

Heather Robinson,
Dorchester