Dorset Council are developing a Dorset Harbours Strategy to guide the development of the three harbours under their management over the next ten years. The Dorset Coast Forum have been working with the Dorset Council Harbours Committee to help develop this new strategy for Weymouth, Bridport and Lyme Regis Harbours which will unify them under the Dorset Council management while recognising the unique qualities of each harbour.
As part of this work, DCF carried out public consultation in September and October 2020 to gain community input to help build a strategy that is supported by the communities and key stakeholders. You can view the Dorset Harbours Strategy Consultation Feedback report on the Dorset Coast Have Your Say website.
The consultation took place through online workshops and surveys, with harbour users, to seek views on what people think works well and what doesn’t work so well in regards to the management of the harbours and also to gather ideas for how the harbours should develop over the next ten years.
Cllr Mark Roberts, Chairman of the Dorset Council Harbours Committee said;
“Thank you to all those who contributed to the first stage of consultation – we received 530 responses. It’s important we consult with harbour users and then the wider community to develop the Dorset Harbours Strategy to ensure that everyone gets the opportunity to air their views. We are working hard to ensure this strategy reflects the needs and aspirations of our community and will set out our vision for the future that is strongly supported.”
Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said
“Dorset Council continue to be committed to working with our communities to ensure they have a say on how our harbours are managed and are a place that they are proud to use for work or leisure. This new strategy will set out how our harbours can thrive, now, and in the future.”
For further information on the Dorset Harbours Strategy visit https://www.dorsetcoasthaveyoursay.co.uk/dorset-harbours-strategy