APATHY struck in Dorchester again when members of the public were outnumbered by councillors and officers at an area forum.

Eight people turned up for the latest event at the town hall in North Square compared with 15 representatives from the town and district councils.

Those who attended the West Dorset District Council-organised forum hailed it as one of the best so far, but also called for new ways of contact.

The poor show came after just two people turned up for a meeting about a car-free day.

Civic leaders had hoped the apathy had disappeared when more than 400 people attended a community planning conference, but then the forum suffered its poor turnout.

Councillor Wally Gundry said: "I have only missed one area forum. The first one was packed.

"This most recent one has been the most interesting, but things are changing.

"There are 15 councillors and officers here, and only about eight people."

He added: "Bearing in mind the community plan is going exceptional well, we are going to hear what was said tonight again and again.

"I wonder if we have come to the end of these forums."

The district council holds the forums every quarter for the public and parish councillors to find out what is happening in their area.

They are staged in Dorchester, Bridport, Lyme Regis, Beaminster, Sherborne, Frampton and Chickerell.

The Dorchester meeting included updates on waste, recycling, coastal issues, electoral review and services provided by the district council.

But people also heard about the Roman Town House in Dorchester, world heritage coast tourism, new traffic wardens, markets, the proposed South West regional assembly and community planning.

District council chairman Coun Mary Penfold said the future of the forums was being considered.

Coun Gwyn Pritchard, district council leader, suggested videos were sent to parish councils.

He added that many members of the public were too busy to get to meetings.

Dorchester Town Council meetings are held in the evening to encourage people to attend.

The district council is also holding some full meetings in the evening to get a greater public attendance, but most county council meetings are held during the day. All meetings are open to the public.