Dorset Council is asking residents to help shape its plans and priorities for the next five years.

Following the local elections in May, councillors are working through its proposed priorities and want residents to be part of that.   

The four proposed priorities are communities for all, respond to the climate crisis, provide high quality housing and to grow Dorset's economy

The proposed priorities represent the areas where the says it wants to make 'significant improvement' over the next five years.

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Therefore Cllr Ryan Hope, cabinet member for customer, culture and community engagement, would like to host ‘A Big Conversation’ with residents from all backgrounds across the county.

This will involve council officers and councillors meeting residents at locations across Dorset to listen to their views.

He said: “We are in the process of creating the new Council Plan. This is so important for everyone in the area as it sets our priorities to deliver over the next five years. 

“We created our manifesto based on what we learned while campaigning. But are we on the right track?

"‘A Big Conversation’ is about talking to our residents and communities, and asking what they want from the council over the next five years. Your feedback is valued and will make a difference to what the council delivers.”

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Councillors and officers will be at the following locations across the summer:

  • Dorchester (Food and Arts Festival) Saturday 3 August: 10am to 3pm 
  • Wimborne (Town Square) Friday 16 August: 9am to 2pm
  • Portland (Easton Gardens) Saturday 24 August: 10am to 3pm
  • Shaftesbury (Town Market) Thursday 29 August: 9:30am to 2:30pm
  • Wareham (The Quay) Saturday 31 August: 8am to 1pm
  • Weymouth (New Bond Street) Saturday 7 September: 10am to 3pm
  • Sherborne (Market) Sunday 15 September: 10am to 3pm

This part of 'A Big Conversation' closes on 15 September.

There are plans to have more community conversations over the next five years.

Cllr Ryan Hope added, “We want to know whether our residents agree with these priorities for Dorset Council, and what they think the council should focus on.”

Residents can also give their thoughts and feedback online.

Find out more on the council website: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/a-big-conversation.