The latest presentations by Martin Hamilton, advising of West Dorset District Council Plans prior to their replacement by the new Unitary Authority, demonstrated the continued use of consultants.

I question whether this is a wise use of public funds between now and the new Authority, when what is needed is urgent action to resolve obvious long standing problems facing Dorchester. Whilst a master plan for Dorchester has its merits any implementation will be critically weighed with other demands (social care, education, housing and highways, etc.) by the new Unitary Authority.

Now is probably the last chance for West Dorset District Council to give priority to Dorchester to solve the long standing problems. The town cannot maximize the economic benefits that visitors bring to the town when the infrastructure so mitigates against them.

Station Access: Pressure must be brought to bear on Network Rail and the Brewery Square developers to provide the promised access so visitors with mobility problems and luggage are not stranded on the far platform. West Dorset offering to share funding might facilitate action.

Trinity Street Bus and coach stops: These bus stops are not fit for purpose, causing obstructions to the pavement and general road safety issues. Also Trinity Street is not the best introduction to Dorchester for visitors; why not build a new bus/coach pull in on the Charles Street site? Visitors would at least see part of the Walks as an introduction to the town. Yes, this means working with the County Council now ; but that is also the future with the Unitary Authority.

Public Toilets: Before moving to Dorchester our abiding memory was of the terrible public toilets and we soon learned that locals avoid them whenever possible. This needs to be addressed together with a new Bus/Coach pull in.

Tourist information: Whilst I understand that plans for a new Tourist Information never materialized, it remains a burning issue. No matter how good the service is in the Library it is closed when it is most needed.

Not urgently addressing these key issues means that potential revenue is being lost to the town. Better Public transport access also means less pollution.

If West Dorset has funds available, I suggest that they can be better spent on solving these problems rather than on consultants developing more castles in the air.

So I call upon West Dorset District Council to fix the roof, so that it does not continue to leak revenue to other destinations.

Mary Calvert

Maumbury Square

Dorchester