Dear Resident,
I share your frustration with how Dorset Council has managed our rates and services over the past five years. I am reaching out to you for your support to bring about meaningful and sensible changes. Together, let us all hold the three main political parties accountable for their inability to engage with the public and deliver on their promises.
Locally, this disconnect is palpable, with the Conservative majority (43) and Liberal Democrat minority (27) steering Dorset Council. It's troubling that Weymouth, as the largest conurbation, has no representation on the cabinet, the council's principal decision-making body, predominantly composed of councillors from smaller Dorset villages.
Despite citing lacking central government funding, Dorset Council persistently increase our rates annually, now ranking among the third highest in the country. Furthermore, they have increased their staff by 300 and now offer over 450 services, contradicting the initial aim of the unitary: efficiency.
I was the only individual in all of Dorset to challenge them about their uncontrolled spending at a recent full council meeting.
We are also burdened by twenty-three council officers earning over £100k each, far more than other councils in the South West. As councillors focus on vanity projects, such as the Liberal Democrat-led Steering Group's initiative to introduce electric buses into the local fleet at a cost exceeding £400k per unit, alongside a refit of Park & Ride Weymouth, safety concerns like fire risks remain disregarded.
I push for the maintenance and betterment of our roads and car parks, as seen in my efforts up near the reservoir in Littlemoor, parts of Louviers Road, and I even reported the dismal state of our local council car park! In contrast, the Lib Dems oppose affordable local parking, discouraging holiday-makers and financially burdening Weymouth residents up to three times more than in Dorchester.
The Liberal Democrats are divvying up Weymouth to housing developers, contradicting a party statement in 2023 that they firmly believe in safeguarding the green belt and protecting natural habitats. The "local" Conservatives showed little opposition, despite the neighbourhood plan being in motion for three years, and did not take initiative to spread word of the poorly advertised consultation.
The "local" Conservatives now complain about Preston residents being sold out. However, I met with six of them, who represented two-thirds of the local respondents. Unlike grappling with feedback from only 35 individuals, I personally contributed 2,500 words for the consultation! Our councillors should have shown strong and stable leadership to prioritise Weymouth residents over developers. We shouldn't need to wait until the end of the year for a referendum, especially after three years of inaction.
I've collaborated with Preston and Lodmoor Sands residents to tackle issues like drainage, road damage, and faulty street lights. I've repaired fences, cleared dumped rubbish, and maintained healthy trees in the area. The "local" Conservatives, who clearly aren’t immune to the vanity project, and the Lib Dems intend to spend another £400k (adjusted for inflation) to replace a fully functional skate park in Littlemoor with a design akin to The Marsh, where a assault on a child occurred in February, 2024.
A fraction of that money could be better invested in flood lighting, security cameras, and a dedicated wall for young artists, empowering urban painters to share their expertise. This idea, paired with good waste management, can effectively tackle fly-tipping concerns. Funds could be used to equip a cyber cafe at Top Club, which is evolving into a teen hub. We could explore partnerships for climbing activities and use of green spaces. I'm collaborating with Dorset Council, Dorset Wildlife Trust, and a local college to enhance Lorton Meadows. Our future efforts include improving pathways, clearing dead trees, adding seating, restoring Tawny Owl nesting sites, and beautifying the area.
I discussed anti-social behaviour and theft with the Home Bargains general manager. Surprisingly, Richard Drax MP didn’t visit the largest store during a recent visit. The manager expressed interest in my proposal to bring together key stakeholders to address these challenges. Additionally, I recommend providing financial aid for installing spotlights and doorbell cameras in high-crime areas to improve security for law-abiding residents.
Our town centre's decline is reversible. I aim to lower rates and rents to entice popular brands like Primark and engage with them. Moreover, I'll boost beach water sports and elevate tourism by endorsing festivals, reinstating SEAFEAST at our historic harbourside, and championing live music as a vital component of our nighttime economy, highlighting our town's charm as the seaside holiday destination.
With forward-thinking and a priority focus on Weymouth, these solutions are within reach. Your support on the second of May is crucial, benefiting not only Littlemoor and Preston but our entire community. It would be a humbling privilege to serve you.
Yours sincerely,