TOWN crier Alistair Chisholm today threatened to hang up his robes and quit Dorchester over the lack of action to promote the town.

Mr Chisholm, a former national town crier champion, claimed he was fed up with 'banging his head against a brick wall'.

He has been in the vanguard of a campaign in Dorchester to promote the town's heritage, publicise its attractions and develop its tourism.

He said: "I have got extremely disillusioned with what is happening and feel flat. The town has to move forward and we have to see some concerted action.

"I do get regular comments saying that what we want for the town is common sense, but there has to be a political will."

He added: "The town seems to want to rely on volunteers and groups such as the chamber of commerce to get things done.

"I'm not talking about neon lights, but a gradual development of Dorchester for the benefit of the whole town with more visitors, tourism and knock-on effect."

Mr Chisholm has threatened to call it a day over the lack of support for his position and the failure of progress to promote such attractions as the Roman Town House and the ancient baths.

In his voluntary role he gives cries at civic functions, in the town centre to promote events and on special occasions, but has also sung the town's praises at national contests and on trips to Dorchester, Massachusetts, USA.

The town council pays an annual £250 towards his costume maintenance and £250 towards travel expenses through an ongoing five-year fund.

Former president of the chamber of commerce, Julian Nangle, collected 100 signatures on a petition in his Words Etc shop calling for more to be made of Mr Chisholm.

Mr Nangle said: "I think it would be a huge loss for the town to lose Mr Chisholm as town crier.

"More should be done to support him."

Mr Chisholm is also a blue badge tourist guide and runs his own successful Ghost Walks in Weymouth and Dorchester, as well as Thomas Hardy Explorer tours.

John Grantham, from the Dorset County Museum, said: "Dorchester has more culture and heritage than any town of its size in the world.

"Add to that a man of Alistair's quality and you have a magical combination.

"We need to kick out this very big cloud of depression and sloth which covers up the magical heritage we have here."

He added: "Let's do something to try and help Alistair publicise the town. Let's make things happen."