'Seedy and sedate' resort in new guide

12:13pm Wednesday 14th May 2008

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WEYMOUTH is alternately seedy and sedate' and plays second fiddle to Bournemouth' according to a travel book.

Rough Guide, which publishes books popular with backpackers and holidaymakers, reviewed the region in the latest edition of their Rough Guide to England.

It says the Jubilee Clock is garish' and Portland is stark, wind-battered and treeless'.

It included positive accounts of the area and its attractions, mentioning the dignified' Esplanade and graceful' bay.

Borough mayor David Harris feels perceptions of the area are changing. He said: "Weymouth used to be known only for its bucket and spade image but it is changing rapidly.

"Although it is continuing to attract the families to enjoy the beach it is also appealing to yachting men and women and the market for second homes.

"This encourages a growth in quality restaurants and entertainment, and you only have to visit the Portland Spa to see how change is taking over."

Weymouth is introduced in the guide with King George III's visits to the resort, saying it is uncertain whether his passion for sea bathing was a symptom of his eventual madness.

It also recounts the theory an unloading cargo ship introduced the Black Death to England at Weymouth in 1348.

In a more positive slant, the guide describes the intimate quayside of the Old Harbour' and a summary of attractions including the Sea Life Park, the Deep Sea Adventure, the Timewalk and the Nothe Fort.

Portland Castle, Pennsylvania Castle, Church Ope Cove and Portland Museum are detailed in a section on the island, while Chesil Beach is described as an uncommercialised, appealing antidote to the resorts.

Custodian of Portland Museum, Susie Simmons, believes the description of stark, wind-battered and treeless' can be taken positively.

She said: "That's what makes Portland special and unique, and although it is historically described as treeless I can see at least 40 from the window.

"The island can look bleak when it's cold and wet, but when the weather's nice it's one of the most stunning places."