FURIOUS protesters vented their rage as work began on the £60million Charles Street development in Dorchester.

Around 30 people gathered at the town centre site for yesterday’s protest, which was organised by the SCON (Stop Council Offices Now) campaign group.

Workers sealed off 226 car park spaces to begin a month-long archaeological dig at the development – which has been 30 years in the making.

Supporters of the project – which will include new £9.7million West Dorset District Council offices – came face to face with the protesters.

SCON member Alistair Chisholm, a West Dorset District councillor, was applauded and cheered as he arrived to address the protest.

He shouted to the crowd: “This is a demonstration of our deeply felt objection to the whole of this development and to the spending of £15million of public money on new offices and a new library for the town – but nobody is asking for a new library.

“They have been offered cheaper accommodation and they have refused to use it.

“What’s happening here is a tragedy for the county town.

“This is a mischief – a serious mischief. I think it’s very sad that this should happen in a democratic country and exactly 67 years ago they landed on the beaches of Normandy to protect and preserve democracy.

“This development does not have the democratic mandate of West Dorset and certainly not of Dorchester.”

Dorchester resident Carol Bancroft covered her mobility vehicle and her dogs in Union and St George flags to show her support for the development.

She said: “My dogs are dressed like this to support what’s happening here today and I’m here to show my support for it.

“Bring on the changes. After 30 years of waiting it’s finally going ahead.”

Former district councillor Fred Horsington addressed the crowd and spoke for the development.

He said: “In the long term this is the best thing that can happen for Dorchester.

“It’s still an investment for the people of West Dorset because the offices will belong to the people of West Dorset.”

Dorchester town councillor David Taylor, who is also an Antelope Walk trader, warned that the diggers moving in sounded the death knell for the town centre.

He added: “It’s an abuse of democracy. It’s 200 plus car park spaces lost and it won’t be good for traders in this part of town.

“Goulds department store will be isolated and South Street will be dead. There are not many people living here.

“This town centre will die. That’s why I’m vehemently opposed to it.”

Dorchester resident Philip Jordan said: “This is a disastrous day for the town.”

Project will bring 660 jobs to county town

West Dorset District Council leader Robert Gould said he respected people’s right to express their feelings about the development.

He added: “The district council offices are just one element of the overall development, which represents £60million of private investment and 660 new jobs.”

Changes in place now that the southern half of the Charles Street Car Park is closed include recycling banks being moved to the Fairfield (Market) Car Park and toilets being shut in the car park.

Alternative toilets can be found near the entrance to the Waitrose underground car park and opposite the taxi rank in Trinity Street.

Motorcycle and disabled bays have been created in the Acland Road car park to replace those lost in the Charles Street car park. Coun Gould said: “We are working with the developer Simons and contractor Cowlin to try to minimise any inconvenience where possible.

“This first phase of work is just the start and more will follow, but the future benefits for Dorchester and West Dorset will be considerable with a new shopping centre, hotel, housing and all that it brings.”

• See dorsetforyou.com/charlesstreet