WHILE I applaud 100 per cent the Civic Society’s concerns over the prison plans; they neglect the one overriding issue for the town and in doing so, they fail to see the wood for the trees.

At last everyone acknowledges that access is and will be a problem, whilst not sufficiently addressing the issue. I suggest that there is generally a defeatist attitude, whilst hoping all will be well.

At the Civic Society’s AGM, speakers presented some excellent wide ranging views on Dorchester including a business prospective. This stressed the need for good parking and a reduction in congestion for local businesses to thrive.

The congestion and pollution in High West and High East Streets has been the subject of many unsuccessful plans, yet it is exactly these streets which will be adversely affected by the current prison plans.

The proposal to remove the pavement between St. Peter’s and The Corn Exchange will not alter the fact that all the construction traffic will have access the site via the High Streets. As I also understand that this area is criss crossed with underground tunnels, I hope that the weight of Construction traffic has also been considered.

The Civic Society stresses the possible adverse impact on views of St. Peter’s Church whilst failing to address the risk to the fabrics of both St. Peter’s and the Corn Exchange as heavy construction traffic seeks to negotiate the Bow.

The answer lies in a second access from Glyde Path Road. Ideally this would be a much needed one way through road akin to others in the area. However a short term road access onto the site for construction traffic would eliminate the worse problems that will affect the High Streets and the Bow.

I understand from Oliver Letwin MP that the issue of ownership on the land needed for this access is being resolved.

I therefore call upon the Civic Society, the Town Council, The District Council and the Highways authority to open their eyes.

Let us pull together to protect Dorchester’s heritage.

Mary Calvert

Maumbury Square

Dorchester