THE SPECIALIST heritage developer that purchased Dorchester's prison site is holding a public consultation event next week.

City and Country, which completed the acquisition of the Victorian jail in February, is inviting local people to share their views as it considers options for the site.

The consultation event is being held at the prison from 3pm to 8pm on Thursday, April 23.

Members of the City and Country team will be on hand to answer questions and listen to local residents and there will also be display boards to view.

In a letter sent out to residents managing director Helen Moore said: "We are now beginning to look at options for the site and we are keen to speak to local people at this early stage to listen to your views and aspirations for the site before we bring forward development plans later this year."

City and Country says it is working hard to allow members of the public to view the inside of the main prison building but says access will need to be restricted for health and safety reasons.

It has warned that due to the age of the prison building there are steps and uneven surfaces to unfortunately it is unable to guarantee step free and disabled access.

HMP Dorchester closed its doors for the final time in December 2013 and was one of four prison sites acquired by City and Country from the Ministry of Justice, alongside Shepton Mallett, Kingston and Gloucester jails.

For more information about the consultation event call 0808 168 5754 or visit cityandcountry.co.uk