PRIME Minister Boris Johnson has vowed to visit Weymouth following an invite by Dorset MP Richard Drax, who is hoping for Government investment to improve the town's infrastructure and boost its business prospects.
Mr Drax is asking for Government support to fund a number of major projects aimed at bringing jobs and prosperity to the traditional seaside town.
He wants to see the creation of a Western Relief road along the Fleet from Wyke Regis which would bypass the heavily congested A354 between Weymouth and Portland.
READ MORE: No government backing for Western relief road
The proposal - which has been suggested to protect jobs at Portland Port and the Granby Industrial Estate while attracting new businesses to the town - is supported by councillors and business bosses plagued by congested roads, but it has been described as ‘unachievable’ without Government support.
Mr Drax is also calling for work to improve Weymouth’s harbour walls to protect it from future flooding and allow major marina rejuvenation projects to go ahead, and he has been involved with Dorset Council’s bid for Government money from the Levelling Up fund to regenerate iconic Weymouth sites and improve access in the town.
In a written submission during Prime Minister’s Questions, Mr Drax asked Boris Johnson what steps he was taking to improve Weymouth’s infrastructure in order to attract more business.
Mr Johnson said: “This Government are committed to levelling up the whole country, and Dorset is no exception.
“I am delighted that the local growth fund in Dorset has contributed £98.4 million to 54 projects since 2015, and I understand that Dorset Council has also made a bid through the levelling up fund to improve access at Weymouth station.”
In response, Mr Drax said: “As a former soldier, I know that time is never wasted on reconnaissance.
“May I ask my right hon friend to come and get some good Dorset sea air, visit Weymouth and see the infrastructure for himself?
“Until we improve it, we cannot attract the investment, jobs and prosperity that we so desperately need, in an ancient seaside resort that needs a bit of love, attention and Government money.”
The Prime Minister said: “I can think of nothing nicer than a trip to Weymouth, which I think was the favourite watering hole of George III—or so I am told by the Lord Chancellor. I will do my utmost to oblige my hon friend.”
Following the exchange, Mr Drax said he was hopeful the Prime Minister would visit to see Weymouth’s potential for himself, as the traditional seaside town looks forward to a prosperous future.
As part of the Government’s Levelling Up fund, the council is bidding for £17m for projects including the regeneration of Weymouth Harbourside, focusing on Brewers Quay, North Quay and the Peninsula, the creation of an Aquaculture Innovation Centre, and the extension of the facilities available to Dorset Innovation Park users, including waterfront access in Portland.
The funding would also be used to fund the Weymouth Train Station Access project, which would see a new crossing at the train station which is hoped will improve connectivity, enhance the pedestrian and cycle network and improve accessibility to the town.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel