THE new mayor of Weymouth and Portland used his acceptance speech to criticise the borough’s chronic traffic problems.

Graham Winter, who is the second mayor to mention the disruption caused by roadworks as he takes office, claimed the Weymouth Transport Package – which has seen the town face a roadworks blitz for the past year – was a ‘mystery.’ Roundabouts are being replaced by traffic lights as part of the £16million package, a series of transport improvements before the 2012 Olympics.

Last year’s mayor Paul Kimber asked people to be patient but acknowledged the ‘pain’ the works would bring.

Stronger comments on the same subject from Councillor Winter reflect the frustration borough councillors are feeling at the Dorset County Council-led scheme, which has been criticised by drivers, town centre traders and holiday businesses.

Addressing a crowd at the Pavilion Theatre during the mayor-making ceremony on Thursday night, Coun Winter said: “We are all looking forward to the end of the highway improvements so there is an easier flow of traffic without constant delays, disruption to businesses and general irritation to residents and visitors.

“The ongoing scheme has proved to be a mystery to many people.

“I only hope and remain optimistic that when the scheme is completed the town will move forward and benefit from the alterations.”

Despite his concerns, Coun Winter predicted the next year would be an exciting one for the borough which will be ‘showcased to the world’ as an Olympic venue.

His deputy for 2011/12, Portlander Margaret Leicester, is in line to be the first citizen next year.

Coun Winter said it was a ‘great honour’ to become mayor.

He represented Weymouth North on the council from 1994-2004 and was re-elected again in 2008 in Westham North.

Married to Mary and a father-of-three, he worked as a teacher for 19 years at St Nicholas and St Laurence Primary School. He now works with special needs children.

His chosen charities are the Dorset Echo-backed Mammography Appeal for Dorset County Hospital, and a good cause he will select later.

He is inviting local groups and organisations to ‘apply’ for charitable funding by way of an application to support projects they may have.

Applications should be made in writing by June 30 to the mayor’s parlour at the council offices.