THE LOCAL economy in Dorchester will take a massive hit by the closure of Dorset Council offices until at least March next year, business bosses have warned.

Many cafes, restaurants, pubs, barbers and takeaway shops are within a short walk of County Hall and offices at South Walks House, Acland Road and Princes Street.

But Phil Gordon, project director at Dorchester BID, said the local businesses had missed spending generated by council workers since lockdown was launched earlier this year - as he reacted to news that council workers had been ordered to continue working from home until at least March 2021 due to safety concerns.

He added: "They are a vital part of the local economy and all businesses have missed their spending since March. I don’t know how long everyone can hold out for without this regular spend.

“I would love someone to do the maths and estimate how much staff at the council would normally contribute to the economy in a month in Dorchester. It has to be substantial and it has currently vanished. It’s true that no town has the right to expect to have a large workforce on its doorstep, but as the County town, Dorchester deserves this mutual support and I very much hope that the leaders of the council change their minds on this decision – It would not be a U-turn, it would a well-considered change of thinking, taking into account the potentially huge negative impact of the whole town’s economy as a result of the council offices staying mainly closed until March next year.”

He said he believed the council should be leading by example by getting its workers back to the office and spending locally but insisted the Business Improvement District would continue to do all it can to encourage people to shop in the town.

Johnny Fiori, who runs the popular Horse with the Red Umbrella in High West Street says he is disappointed by the council’s decision and has suggested that it considers having at least some of the staff back in its offices, where safe to do so, which he says might encourage other businesses to follow suit.

“The town has struggled on with the few visitors there has been about this summer, but the impact of the office closures has very badly hit footfall. If only 50per cent came back to the offices it would be a big help; the town’s struggling enough and could do without this,” he said.

Dorset Council and town councillor Molly Rennie says the decision to put the safety of staff first is understandable, but says she is concerned for local jobs which rely on council staff.

“Their spending in our town will be down especially lunch time businesses in the cafes and sandwich shops,” said Cllr Rennie, who is now asking Dorchester residents and those living nearby to bear in mind the Spend Local campaign and to support town businesses and the people who work there as much as possible over the coming months.