Bravo, at last someone has seen what was immediately obvious to me having returned to the area eight years ago (Exploit our resources, Letters November 5).

Like R. Bratt, I also agree with the underpinning message of Mayor Kate Wheller’s recent statement that the area cannot survive on tourism alone. It must also be commercially and socially beneficial to it’s residents throughout the year, attractive to businesses with high capital investment, using primarily existing assets within Portland and Weymouth as a whole.

Again, picking up on another point made by Mr Bratt, the large amount of prime real estate continuing to be used by local authorities is ludicrous, when the area from the old gasometer to Hope Square could be used for hotels, restaurants, apartments et al.

Potential development of this area is only limited by one’s imagination. Look at Brewery Square in Dorchester to see what can be done with prime real estate. Weymouth has an entire harbour front and square.

With respect to attracting businesses to the area, this is the big challenge. However, with the increase of cruise ships arriving at Portland, ongoing Osprey Quay development and the very recent announcement regarding the future use of the MCA facility, there would appear to be an ideal opportunity for the area to become a centre of excellence for Maritime development, support and training.

One major issue to this idea is the current transport infra-structure.

Having frequently travelled to Portland for over a period of 20 years before returning to the area, there was no problem until you approached Dorchester. Then it took forever unless you had local knowledge and knew the back doubles.

Admittedly, the by-pass has helped, but there are still the unpredictable delays through Weymouth and Wyke Regis. This problem could be overcome by the very sensitive issue of extending the by-pass.

Unfortunately, if the area as a whole is to improve, difficult decisions, supported by credible rationales will have to be made, what is clear is that keeping the status quo is not an option.

If any of the above already exists in strategic plans, then I apologise for wasting the readers time. However, if not, then it is a potential starter for ten.

Stuart Caines

Clare Avenue Chickerell, Weymouth