Opposition is growing to the new Dorset Council's moves to take control of income-generating assets in Weymouth.

As reported, county councillor for Westham David Harris is urging local members to 'stand up for Weymouth' and make their voice heard at meeting tomorrow when the budget for the new Dorset Council will be agreed.

Cllr Harris say the new unitary authority will be balancing its budget largely by taking responsibility of nearly all the assets from Weymouth that bring in an income – including car parks, seafront properties and the crematorium. These generate millions of pounds and are currently under the control of the borough council which is about to be abolished.

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There is concern that the new Weymouth Town Council which is being set up will only be left with assets that cost money rather than generate an income.

Labour borough councillor Kate Wheller agreed with Cllr Harris, a Lib Dem member, that the borough was being 'stripped of its assets' in a recent letter to the Echo.

She said it was vital that all borough councillors attend the budget setting meeting.

Now Conservative borough councillor Cathy Page-Nash has spoken of her concerns.

She says in a letter to the Echo which appears in today's edition: "When I decided to stand to be a member of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council I hoped that in some small way I could contribute something to the town which I love and to its residents. Since being elected I have to make many decisions. Some have been easy, but some extremely tough and the result has not always been the one I would have liked..

"When the idea of forming a unitary council for Dorset was first suggested this seemed the way forward, by saving money amongst other benefits. Now unfortunately I have reservations, as it seems that Weymouth stands to lose more from this than it is to gain. The unitary authority seems set on wanting to gain control of all the assets which generate a healthy income while leaving the town councils having to put their hands deep in their pockets in order to maintain the other amenities.

"I therefore re-iterate what Cllrs Harris and Wheller have already said, and urge all W&PBC councillors to attend the meeting on February 20 and fight for our rights. Please remember that you were elected by the residents of Weymouth and Portland to serve them and their interests, and not by the whole of the residents of the county of Dorset."