PARTS of Weymouth are a ‘washed up, falling down eyesore’, according to Mayor Richard Kosior.

Cllr Kosior made an impassioned plea at a meeting of the Weymouth and Portland Borough Council management committee for more to be done to clean up the town.

He also said that protection for listed buildings is ‘jeopardising’ investment in the town.

The comments come after the management committee pledged to take action over the state of the town at a previous meeting.

Resident Bob Underwood presented the committee with several photographs showing the dilapidated state of the town at a meeting in February.

At this week’s meeting, Weymouth and Portland Mayor, Cllr Richard Kosior, took up the cause.
He said: “As mayor of this borough I have frequently been told by the business community that strict interpretation of guidelines governing listed buildings is having a seriously adverse impact on the willingness to invest in the town.

“I want to express my concern that our ambitious plans are being jeopardised by the idea that nothing can be changed.”

Cllr Kosior asked the committee what powers the conservation officer has to ensure listed buildings are maintained properly.

He added: “Our town is a washed up, falling down eyesore in certain parts. Is there any evidence that any action has been taken to prevent this?”

Cllr Ray Nowak replied that there is an ‘ongoing discussion’ about the issue.

“We are working with officers to find a formula that’s constructive in making sure the town centre is looking good and old buildings are being looked after but pressure needs to be taken against owners of buildings in a dilapidated state.”

He added that claims the development of listed buildings is being slowed down by the council are unsubstantiated.

“I hear a lot of suggestion that the borough council is responsible for holding up the development of older buildings, but the evidence for that is not as clear in coming forward.”

Strategic director Stephen Hill said the borough council’s scrutiny committee is looking at the powers of enforcement the authority has available.

He added: “We need to strike the right balance in supporting the economy but also looking after listed and protected buildings and make sure they are maintained.”

Cllr Jeff Cant, leader of the borough council, told the Dorset Echo in February that he is ‘determined’ to see the town centre spruced up and regenerated.

Moves are being made to create a town centre manager, which, Cllr Cant said, would make a single point of contact for people raise issues such as rough sleepers, street peddlers and buildings in poor repair.