CONCERNS have been raised over the retail scheme of Dorchester’s Charles Street development amid the current economic slump.

The first phase, consisting of the controversial council offices and library block, is already underway and it was expected the second phase would start shortly after that.

But in an email, seen by the Dorset Echo, West Dorset District Council technical services manager Steve Woollard said it was ‘hoped’ work on the retail scheme would begin in 2013, but this was ‘subject to an improvement in the country’s economy’.

Dorchester resident Liz Reed contacted the district council requesting a timescale of the £60m scheme.

In his reply, Mr Woollard confirmed phase one is programmed to be completed in September 2012 but there would be an ‘intervening’ period before the second phase begins.

He added: “The retail scheme we hope will start in 2013, but as you will appreciate this is subject to an improvement in the country’s economy, in particular the retail and property markets.

“In order that we are not left with a building site during the intervening period the remainder of the Old Market car park not used for the office will be reinstated for car park use.

“Also work on phase two will not be allowed to start unless it is guaranteed to finish.”

In reply, Mrs Reed, 55, said: “He told us what we all know, and that is that it’s not guaranteed.

“My understanding is that it is all dependent on the market and let’s face it – anyone with the slightest bit of common sense knows that there isn’t going to be a shopping development at the moment.”

Alistair Chisholm, former member of the Stop Council Offices Now (SCON) group, described the developers Simons and West Dorset District Council as ‘misleading’ the public.

He said: “I have always felt that phase two has been uncertain. I think they convinced a lot of people that once we get the offices and the library, phase two will follow through.

“Of course they are still hoping that is the case but there is no guarantee and with the way things are going at the moment I think it’s looking pretty unlikely.”

Mr Woollard was unavailable to comment, but both West Dorset District Council and the developer Simons insisted they were ‘confident’ phase two would go ahead.