GROWING numbers of people are turning their back on Dorset and moving abroad, figures show.

In five years more than 15,000 people emigrated from the county.

Last year alone the number of out-migrants was 3,160, according to the research from the Office for National Statistics.

Councillor Geoff Petherick, who is employment and prosperity spokesman for Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said: "The figures certainly surprise me. People must be crazy to leave Dorset.

"I would like to know who these 3,000 people are and why they left.

"It worries me. Wage rates and lack of opportunities could well be the reason."

The figures show numbers leaving Dorset have increased from 1,680 in 2001-2 to more than 4,000 in 2003-4.

Every year Dorset has waved goodbye to more than it has welcomed from other countries, despite continued fears over an influx of foreign workers to the UK.

Last year 750 more people left Dorset than immigrated from abroad.

South Dorset MP Jim Knight said he knew constituents who had moved to Australia.

He added: "I struggle to believe anyone would leave Dorset for a better quality of life.

"But the biggest problem we face locally is the combination of high house prices and relatively low wages.

"If people can't afford to buy here or are struggling to earn enough money to sustain a property, that might be one of the factors."

He said young ambitious workers could account for a big proportion of Dorset out-migrants.

National statistics show the prime destination of choice as Australia, followed by Spain and the US.

Coun Petherick said: "If we can make it more attractive to live here in all aspects of life it will reverse this trend. We are working very hard to try and increase opportunities here and promote Weymouth and Portland's quality of life."

He said his own ambition to bring more hi-tech industries to the borough could achieve the salary increases needed.

"This is a fabulous place to live in. To me it's like being on a permanent holiday - the climate, the quality of life, all the things to do and see, the sailing," he added.

According to the Institute for Public Policy Research, about 10 per cent of British people now live abroad.

  • Are you packing your bags and saying goodbye to Dorset? If so, why not call the Dorset Echo on 01305 830999 and tell us where you are going and why? Or email letters@dorsetecho.co.uk