PUPILS may be offered the chance to speak their minds on the future of Dorchester after a constructive public meeting.

Town Crier Alistair Chisholm hailed the success of the recent summit he called at the Corn Exchange on the path forward for the area.

Now he hopes to take the format of the debate into schools in Dorchester to give youngsters their say on the way ahead.

Mr Chisholm said: "The meeting went very well. The results were intriguing, but also quite basic in what people wanted.

"The main outcomes were a desire for traffic to be dealt with, a better welcome for visitors and shoppers, and a great deal more made of the heritage."

Nearly 100 people attended the public meeting on the future of Dorchester. It was called after the collapse of the Charles Street development.

They discussed transport, commerce, facilities and heritage during the debate.

Now Mr Chisholm has compiled a leaflet with a list of comments, suggestions and feedback from the meeting.

He added: "I hope to take the idea into schools and give young people the chance to have their say.

"I aim to do it in partnership with the district council, schools and the Dorchester Youth Extra group.

"It is important young people have their say, as they are the future of Dorchester and the ones who will be living here."

The results of the meeting will also be fed into continuing discussions for the community plan for Dorchester.

Mr Chisholm said: "The official process of developing a community partnership for Dorchester and its natural hinterland has already started.

"I am certain we all look forward to it bearing fruit in the near future."

He added: "I hope the results of my meeting will play a part in the actions taken to reinvigorate this most delightful of county and market towns."

Mr Chisholm also hopes to hold a similar public meeting to focus specifically on the Charles Street area with its car parks, ancient remains underneath and historic Roman baths.