A GROUP is rising from the ashes to give older people in Weymouth and Portland a greater say.

It will act as an advice shop and ensure the voice of the over 55s is heard but it is stressed it will not become a politically motivated campaigning body.

The Weymouth Area Senior Forum has replaced the organisation formerly known as Weymouth Area Senior Projects (WASPs).

It will provide a space for older people to meet, obtain information and swap ideas.

To ensure everyone has access, a meeting following the same format will be held in three different venues rather than having a big gathering in central Weymouth.

The first meeting will be held tomorrow and will be addressed by Elaine Milton of Trading Standards, who will warn about doorstep traders.

Weymouth pensioner Norah Riley-Smith, 66, who volunteers for Age Concern, said many older people would welcome the new group.

She said: “There’s definitely a need for something like this – as long as it’s done in the right way.

“Some people saw the previous group that existed as too heavy handed as it was fighting the council left, right and centre and that’s not what an older people’s group should be about.”

The forum actually came into being last year and was in danger of folding after some committee members stood down but was rescued by Hilary Foggo, Dorset’s forum development officer who is based at Age Concern in Dorchester.

She has breathed new life into the forum and put a steering group together. Mrs Foggo said there were 16 independent forums in the county helping to make a difference to the lives of older people.

She said the format of WASPs had to change because there were ‘tensions’ within the group.

“The forum provides an opportunity to hear people’s views so we can try and implement change and make life better,” Mrs Foggo said.

Harry Franklin was chairman of WASPs and in charge when it became the forum but had to step down because of ill health.

He said: “We saw ourselves as non-political but when you get involved with issues like council tax and pensions you can’t help it.

“We weren’t a group that just used to have coffee mornings. There were some hairy moments.

“There’s a need to have a group for older people and I think the forum with its new format is a good idea and should be supported.” Meetings, which start at 2pm, will be held at: St Paul’s Church parish room, Abbotsbury Road, tomorrow; Littlemoor Community Centre on Wednesday June 10; Community 2000, Straights, Portland, on Monday July 20.