A LAND train could be the latest visitor attraction to hit Dorchester's streets.

The train - similar to one used to carry trippers on Weymouth's promenade - is the brainchild of the county town's steering group Bid, the business improvement district.

The train would link old and new parts to ensure established businesses did not miss out as developments at Charles Street and the former brewery site open up.

Bid manager Phil Gordon said: "A land train could be a good way to link all the main parts of the town centre easily. It could look like a traditional steam engine train - I think people would like that - but be eco-friendly and run on electric or LPG, perhaps."

He said the land train could itself be an attraction for people visiting Dorchester. It would also help with proposals from Dorchester Chamber of Commerce to pedestrianise lower South Street by making it easier for disabled people to shop there.

But he warned that timing was essential.

He said: "The clock is running on getting Dorchester old town to be a shining example and have a good feel about it so that by the time the new developments come into being it is not left behind."

Mr Gordon said the scheme was one of several emerging through Bid meetings and consultations with businesses and individuals.

He said: "There is also a suggestion for a child-friendly fountain in the town. Perhaps schools could be involved in designing it.

"There are lots of possibilities to improve Dorchester in all sorts of ways if the BID gets the go-ahead."

A ballot of town centre businesses is due to be held in February and if the BID gets the go-ahead funding for projects and improvements would come into effect quickly.

Mr Gordon said the levy paid by businesses would be one per cent of their business rates. He said: "It would be very affordable but it would make a huge difference to what we could do in the town."

The BID steering group has already held two meetings and gathered ideas and suggestions. The next meeting is on June 27 at the Kings Arms in Dorchester and will be on the theme of clean and green'.