THERE have been various articles and letters in the Dorset Echo of late, discussing the merits or otherwise of the Weymouth area.

There is no doubt there has been a serious decline in the fortunes of the town and the hinterland, going back almost 30 years.

The loss of the navy, MOD, Devenish Brewery, DERA/QinetiQ, harbour trade etc., has seriously taken their toll.

The national newspaper which essentially described the place as a graveyard of ambition and aspiration was unfortunately mainly correct.

But, there is no doubt that at this present moment in time there are underway many projects in the area which point to a better future, and to their credit the local council ( in Dorchester?) have also recognised the need for change and have created a diverse masterplan for the central area of town. This is promising stuff and shows that the problems are finally being addressed.

However, I do feel that a central focal point or focus is needed, an idea that everyone interested can buy in to, an overriding emphasis which will bring every project and idea together, to achieve a common objective.

To me that idea would be to promote the area as a new Coastal City. At the moment an official city in the county of Dorset does not exist, so why cannot Weymouth and its environs be that new city?

Be the first official city of Dorset.

Having city status gives kudos to an area and that would attract inward investment and services. It would attract employment opportunities, businesses, people and ideas.

Granted the area will never be a Liverpool or Manchester but it can be a proud micro-city, more akin to Brighton, situated in envious surroundings, self-sustaining and full of opportunities, especially for the young and ambitious.

What have we got to lose? Why not go for it?

Jeremy Bull

Khartoum Road

Rodwell

Weymouth