ORGANISERS of a Dorchester meeting today urged the people of the county town to help forge a bold new future.

They want individuals, groups and families to speak their minds on what can be done to improve everyday life and revitalise the town and surrounding villages.

The plea for people to 'make a difference' comes before the three-day community planning session is launched at the Corn Exchange on Wednesday.

It is aimed at giving power to the people to decide the way ahead and for a community action plan to be drawn up.

The move comes after proposals for a major shopping complex in Charles Street failed two years ago.

Coun Molly Rennie, chairman of the community planning advisory group, said: "We need your views if we are to really make a difference on the day to day issues of people living and working in Dorchester.

"Come along, have a cup of tea and a chat, as this is a real opportunity to have your say."

The open-house event is the culmination of a period of consultation asking people what they want in Dorchester and nearby villages.

Community planning officer Lynne Saunders held sessions at the youth club, leisure centre, church halls, Tesco and South Street.

Suggestions ranged from tidier streets and more cycle paths to resolving road congestion and opening the Roman baths.

A community plan will be drawn up from people's suggestions for the town, district and county councils to follow.

Coun Rennie added: "Community planning is all about organisations and agencies working together with local communities to improve all aspects of life - social, economic and environmental."

The event is being held at the Corn Exchange from Wednesday to Friday from 9am to 9pm and people are welcome to come and go as they please.

Mrs Saunders said: "We have already gathered a range of views from members of public.

"They have had their say on the future during the recent consultation roadshows.

"We would now like to take these individual views to a second stage by asking anyone from Dorchester or the surrounding area to agree or disagree with these, and to add further ideas which may be missing."

There will also be representatives from West Dorset District Council asking for opinions about the local plan as well as displays from Dorset Community Action.

Other groups with stands will include Age Concern, the First Dorset Credit Union, police and Dorset County Council.

The event comes after a car-free day in Dorchester was scrapped because just two people turned up to a brainstorming session.