People will be asked to have their say on proposals for a new town council for Weymouth when a consultation is launched on Friday (30/6).
Weymouth & Portland Borough Council is keen to hear local residents’ views on the draft plans and will hold a full public consultation from 30 June until 1 September.
The plans, known officially as a Community Governance Review, have been put forward because a proposal has been made to replace all nine councils in Dorset with two new councils. If this happens, Weymouth & Portland Borough Council would cease to exist in April 2019.
Weymouth would then be virtually the only place in Dorset not covered by a town or parish council. Portland already has a town council.
Councillor Jeff Cant, Leader of Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, said:
“We want to hear from as many local people as possible. We want to find out how they want their councils and local services to be run in the future, and make sure people understand how this will be funded.
“These are rapidly changing times. I’d like to stress that nothing has been decided yet. We are committed to listening to the views of our community, as we strive to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”
Weymouth & Portland Borough Council will hold the consultation over the summer. It focuses on the proposal to set up a town council. A second consultation will also take place later in the year.
A series of roadshows will be held across the borough during the consultation to raise awareness and encourage people to take part in the consultation. The roadshows will also allow councillors to hear local people’s views.
Any proposal to set up a town council will go through the democratic process of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council. After hearing from local people, a final decision is expected to be made at a full borough council meeting in February 2018.
People can complete the consultation at www.futureweymouth.co.uk
Copies will also be available at the council’s offices on Commercial Road and local libraries.
