LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE Dorchester's Interview Results

Dorchester shoppers are far more positive than negative about the area – according to a survey carried out in South Street by the Dorchester Stop the Drop group.

Volunteers asked 200 people passing by their stand in South Street, Dorchester what they loved as well as disliked about the town.

There were 235 positive ("loved) and 134 negative ("disliked") responses.

POSITIVES (76% of total positive responses)

24% said they enjoyed living within easy access to the countryside and coast.  Beaches and forest/wildlife were also mentioned.

18% liked the convenience of shopping locally, the range of retailers and the pedestrian precinct.

16% found the area relatively peaceful and quiet and felt safe living here.

9%  said that Dorchester was a family friendly town with friendly people.

9%  simply loved everything about the town.

Other positive comments about Dorchester included good schools, the "Walks", no heavy industry, fascinating history and buildings,  and a vibrant atmosphere,

As for NEGATIVES  -

28% disliked the District Council's planning activities, principally the Charles Street development of council offices and library, currently underway.

19%  objected to the litter found along streets, pavements, alleyways, including dog mess and fly-tipping.

6%  considered that there was insufficient affordable housing with some feeling towards owners of second homes.

5%  saw parking or the lack of it as a major problem.

5%  said the bus service was too infrequent.

4% disliked the sight of empty shops.

4%  simply disliked crowds.

Other negative comments included such topics as no job centre, the Poundbury development, not enough for young people to do, street skate-boarding, noisy neighbours, and poor maintenance of shop fronts by landlords.

Organiser of the event, Bob Kerr, said : "While the positives were comforting to learn, the negatives sound a wake-up call to both District Council and the Police."

"Certainly, the major objection, the Charles Street development will continue its stormy path to completion regardless of residents' views."

"As for litter, legislation is on the statute books that if enacted, would go a long way to combating this scar on our streets, verges, and pavements.  Yet until the Police enforce such laws and the courts create examples of law-breakers, there is little hope that this issue will ever be resolved, leaving the problem with those who live here."

Do you have any other niggles about Dorchester? - why not write a comment below and continue the debate.