BY JACK WELCH

With the strategy and vision now in place for Weymouth’s highly publicised Masterplan, it is one step closer to reality, with a majority of borough councillors on the Management Committee passing it to a full council decision in June.

Being present at this meeting, the scale of this vision certainly did not reflect the atmosphere of the room.

With a 9.30am start and formal structure of the meeting, it was unlikely to reflect the interests of many of the residents in the area.

There was no presence of young people, and as the 93 individual responses in the consultation show, greater knowledge of the plans is a priority the newly elected council will have to take if it finally passes.

As for the younger population in this town, keen emphasis has been put into employment opportunities, which will be driven by the approach of businesses and industry in the area, as well as the boost for affordable housing.

Concern may lie in the investment for what will be an overarching goal, but with backing from the government, as well as other sponsors, it is now a question of will.

However, with many councillors sceptical of the proposals in general, it will be a struggle to achieve such goals if the local authority responsible is divided.

Young people deserve a better offer and if it is a matter of retaining talent, a whole-hearted approach is needed if the ideas are to translate into a success.