DISGRUNTLED islanders lashed out at a government agency that they say is redeveloping a former naval base without considering local needs.

But the South West England Regeneration Development Agency (SWERDA) has now promised more communication about what is happening at Osprey Quay.

Grant Drummond, a SWERDA regeneration consultant, made the offer at a meeting of Portland Community Partnership at Portland Heights Hotel last night.

It followed accusations from members of the partnership that the development agency had not considered the risk of flooding in Chiswell properly when building their own flood defences, ruined the roads on to the island, and earmarked community playing fields for building homes.

Phil Laming, who was chairing the meeting, said: "A lot of things seem to go on without proper consultation. There doesn't seem to be a listening ear to what people of Portland want."

SWERDA bought Osprey Quay from the Ministry of Defence in 1999 after the navy pulled out with the loss of 4,500 jobs. It aims to develop job opportunities in the quay, which is in one of the most deprived areas in the South West.

Deputy mayor Carenza Hayhoe said: "It is a sad fact that Portlanders have felt for hundreds of years that they have not been consulted and listened to."

At last night's meeting, Mr Drummond offered to consider starting regular discussions with Portlanders.

"We are not a closed organisation," he said. "We are there in Victoria Square for people to come in and talk to."