As one of the founders of the Dorset One World Festival in 2008, I completely refute the claim made by Ian Bruce (Dorset Echo 29th April) that Dorchester is in any way unwelcoming to “foreigners”.

'Dorchester is trying to see off home building plan'

The county town has, and always will, welcome newcomers wherever they come from - the many residents of new Poundbury confirm this.

I find it difficult however to understand the main thrust of Mr Bruce’s letter.

Is he arguing that 4,000 new houses built over the countryside north of Dorchester is well worth the huge negative impact on the climate emergency?

Does he think that a new industrial site, built beside the A35 east of Dorchester and barely a mile from Thomas Hardy’s birthplace, will enhance our growing tourism economy? Does he think adding to the percentage of Dorset’s “built-up” area is the only way forward for the county ?

Mr Bruce points out that Thomas Hardy built on a greenfield site, but when he designed and built Max gate in 1885, there was no climate and ecological emergency - there most certainly is one today.

STAND (Save The Area North of Dorchester) is not opposed to change.

We would welcome the development of the 5 acre prison site, the Charles Street site and the conversion of South Walks House etc. and believe these existing sites must be developed before any of our unspoilt countryside.

ALISTAIR CHISHOLM

Co-ordinator of STAND and Town Crier of Dorchester