THE famous white horse at Osmington could be restored to its former glory – with the help of the Weymouth Relief Road, says a town man.

John Austin, 68, says the historic hill figure has been forgotten behind other projects such as Weymouth Pavilion.

He wants relief road chalk used to whiten it up – and offenders sentenced to community service to do the work.

“The way it looks at the moment is disgraceful,” he said. “Let’s have some action and stop making excuses.”

Mr Austin said the famous figure has been deteriorating ever since TV star Anneka Rice tried to restore it in 1989.

He said: “It’s no good continually blaming Anneka Rice for using the wrong stone. At least she did something about it.

“It’s the first thing many people see when they arrive in Weymouth and it used to be a magnificent sight.

“There’s so much attention given to other projects and this one seems totally forgotten.”

Retired Mr Austin said some of the chalk being excavated for the relief road could be used on the White Horse.

“I suggest someone uses their initiative and arranges transportation of some of this to the infamous grey mare and return it to its former glory,” he said.

“There’s lots of money available for it at the moment, particularly with the Olympics coming up in 2012.

“We just need our local councils to get behind it and drive the issue. Something needs to be done.”

Mr Austin, of Bincleaves Road, said offenders carrying out community service could help restore the landmark.

He added: “Many years ago the Borstal boys from Portland carried out work on the White Horse and were involved in community projects.

“What on Earth are people sentenced to community work these days involved in? The public has no idea.

“Here’s something identifiable and worthwhile they could do.”

West Dorset district councillor Peter Read, who represents Osmington, threw his support behind Mr Austin’s plea.

He said: “We’re going to be the focus of attention in 2012. Lots of cameras will be starting and finishing with shots of the White Horse.

“It would be nice for it to be in good condition. It’s become very weathered and on a grey day it can be impossible to see it.”

Coun Read said the idea of involving people sentenced to community service in the improvements was ‘excellent’.

“It would give them a sense of pride and a notion of doing something that will last,” he added.

Fellow district councillor Teresa Seall, who also represents Osmington, said: “I do think something needs doing.

“When you’re actually on the White Horse you realise just how bad a condition it’s in.

“But whatever we do we need sound advice and we need to make sure the right chalk is used.

“We don’t want another failed attempt like the Anneka Rice one.”

Coun Read said: “It’s not just a matter of cleaning it up or putting new stones on there – over time the actual shape of the horse has changed.

“If anyone has any old photographs of the White Horse, please could they let me have copies. We have a historical puzzle to solve before we can carry out any restoration work.”

* To help, contact Coun Read on 01305 851997 or send photographs to him at West Dorset District Council, Stratton House, 58-60 High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1UZ.