A SENIOR clergyman has thrown his weight behind plans to pedestrianise part of Dorchester.

The Rev Philip Lambert, rector of the parish of Dorchester, says a proposal to close High West Street and High East Street to traffic would enhance life and bring some much-needed quiet to the town.

Mr Lambert said: "One of the reasons we enjoy living in Dorchester is the possibility of meeting and knowing people in a town which has most of the things we want.

"Putting effort into helping us achieve that aim by, for example, the re-routing of traffic helps to fulfil our hopes for Dorchester.

"Freeing up the area in High West and High East Street from noise and danger for meeting, conversation and shopping helps us develop communal awareness."

Mr Lambert's comments come after the Dorset Echo revealed the pedestrianisation project was one of three options being considered by council chiefs in a bid to ease the rush hour traffic that chokes the historic town.

A £100,000 report commissioned by Dorset County Council and West Dorset District Council showed more traffic was coming through the town centre than in the years before the Dorchester bypass was built. The report also said that as many as 2,300 cars an hour use the Top o' Town junction during peak periods - more than one a second.

The Rev Lambert says taking traffic out of the town centre would enhance St Peter's Church, which stands on High West Street.

He said: "At the moment heavy traffic not only vibrates the fabric, damaging the windows and stonework, but also penetrates the quiet space inside.

"For people of faith, and no faith, to have easier access to this building makes that seeking out of space and quiet less of an effort and a more natural part of life together.

"This easier access would also allow funerals and weddings to take place more easily. This brings into the heart of life events that are a part of us all, whether it is celebration or death."

Mr Lambert said he believed Christianity was all about bringing out the best of life and a plan to improve peace and quiet in Dorchester should be welcomed.

He said: "Anything that enhances life, that helps us enjoy it and be aware of our neighbour must be supported by the Christian Church. I wholeheartedly welcome any attempt to deepen our life together in this town."