CAMPAIGNERS are aiming to lose a council's tag as a 'private members' club' with a shake-up of meetings in Dorchester.

Members of West Dorset District Council agreed to hold some meetings in the evenings to attract more people, help working councillors and encourage more people to stand for election.

The trial comes amid fears that the council is seen as a 'private members' club of middle aged, middle class and middle minded people'.

Now the first full meeting of the council will be held at 7pm at its Stratton House offices in High West Street, Dorchester, on July 11.

Coun Stephen Friar, who proposed the idea, said: "The public will find it easier to come to meetings.

"Many people who are deterred from becoming councillors because of work commitments may now be encouraged to stand for election next year."

Alternate meetings of West Dorset District Council will be held during the next year under the trial agreed at the authority's annual meeting.

Council leader Gwyn Pritchard said: "This welcome development is an attempt to attract more members of the public to council meetings.

"It may also provide the opportunity for councillors who work to play a greater role on the council."

Coun Daniel Smy, who backed the idea, added: "This is a positive move."

Full meetings of the council were always held in the afternoon until this move, but committees will continue to be held during the day.

Coun Friar added: "Public perception of the council is a pretty accurate one.

"It is of a private members' club of middle aged, middle class and middle minded people. That has got to change."