Business Blog (From Business in Dorset)

Business Blog

11:33am Friday 5th October 2007

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Shouting for Dorset a “One Voice Agenda” is Vital

It was clear from a recent meeting with Ben Bradshaw MP minister for the southwest and health minister that to be heard by Government and to have any chance of financial support for growth in Dorset speaking with one voice on such issues as gridlock on transport routes, affordable housing, areas for development, public transport and the skills shortage was vital.

Ben Bradshaw made it clear that Local Authorities, Government bodies such as the (RDA’s) Regional Development Agencies and business organisations must combine in what is called a (MAA) multi area agreement to agree solutions to these obstacles to growth and then shout about them - if Dorset is to have any chance of being listened to.

Business leaders are also increasingly demanding changes to the planning system - currently major changes such as relief roads can take on average 10 – 20 years to get through the planning system. Getting around Dorset currently, such as travelling from the centre of Bournemouth to Blandford can take up to an hour, travelling from Wimborne to the centre of Poole can take nearly as long at peak times. And we all know what happens in the summer months and the holiday season on longer routes. What will be the situation on our roads in Dorset in 10 years time if nothing is done?

With the proposed growth of Bournemouth Airport, the Port of Poole the coming Olympics and the role of Weymouth, good road links through and out of Dorset will be essential. Creating change in a meaningful time scale whilst protecting the environment is vital and environmental concerns must not be just brushed aside. Solutions are possible and it is vital that the Government allocates real money when road schemes are being considered recognising that change must happen whilst working sympathetically with the environment. The Weymouth relief road is a current example where greater effort is required.

Dorset has real problems to solve and a coordinated approach by all parties will be the only way that results will be achieved - whilst the solutions may not be easy doing nothing is not an option.
For too long Dorset has been treated as a second-class citizen, left behind by the Government because of the failure of leaders to agree solutions to its problems and then shout with one voice.

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