A NEW action group behind a 21st century vision of Dorchester and nearby villages is to be launched at the Corn Exchange.

Membership of the Dorchester area partnership will be introduced and a steering group nominated at the October 2 summit before they develop the town's community plan.

The move comes after workshops and sub-groups in such areas as traffic were formed as part of the process to produce a blueprint for future of the area.

Lynne Saunders, community partnership development worker, said: "Local people have a great deal of knowledge about the area in which they live.

"The Dorchester area partnership will offer an opportunity for local people to help influence the decision making process by working together to develop and inform future plans."

The community plan is aimed at giving everyday people the chance to say how they want Dorchester to develop and to improve the town.

Coun Molly Rennie, chairman of the community planning group, Dorchester Town Council clerk Dennis Holmes and Mrs Saunders will give a presentation at the meeting, which starts at 7pm on October 2.

Dr David Evans, planning and environment director at West Dorset District Council, will also give a talk, along with Dugald Lockhart from Dorset County Council.

Members of the steering group of the Dorchester area partnership are expected to come from councils, the town's chamber of commerce, heritage committee and Agenda 21 forum.

There will also be people from churches, the Dorchester Youth Extra Group, sports clubs, housing groups, tourism, schools and the Dorset Disability Forum.

The first meeting of the new action group will be at the Corn Exchange on October 24 at 7pm.

Mrs Saunders added: "The launch meeting will be used to formally introduce the Dorchester area partnership and will be open to everyone."

Membership of the partnership is open to individuals as well as groups, and anyone interested is urged to call Mrs Saunders on (01305) 266861.