I am genuinely sympathetic to people frustrated by the current traffic works in Weymouth and Portland, and am grateful for their continued patience.

The borough has suffered from congestion for many years, disrupting public transport and affecting the local economy.

Yes, it is unusual for Dorset County Council to carry out so many (200) separate pieces of work in such a short timescale, but this means we can avoid extended disruption in the future.

I have read two letters in the Echo in the past week whose readers claim that once the 2012 sailing events are finished, we will be ripping out the new traffic lights and reinstating the roundabouts.

This is categorically not true.

The traffic lights will not be removed. The current investment in transport improvements will bring major long-term benefits for the area and local people, finally providing a much-needed, modern system well after the Games have finished.

I can understand completely why people are annoyed about the current hold-ups. But I would sincerely urge people to try and see beyond the immediate inconvenience and recognise the tremendous long-term improvement that the work will deliver.

We are working very hard to keep people informed about the progress of the works.

If Echo readers do not feel they have the full picture, I would urge them to call Dorset County Council on 01305 224754, email the team at weymouthtransportpackage@dorsetcc.gov.uk or read the blog at weymouthtransportpackage.wordpress.com.

In addition, our Weymouth Transport Package Visitor Centre is open at the Swannery Car Park on Mondays 9am to 11am, Thursdays 12pm to 2pm and the second Saturday of every month, 9am to noon.

I will also be at the centre from noon to 2pm on Tuesday, October 26, and would welcome the chance to talk and listen to local people about the works, explain our approach to the project and also dispel any false rumours.

Peter Finney, Dorset County Council cabinet member for transport