In the light of recent letters to the Echo concerning a possible future Western Relief Road to Portland, it seems appropriate to clarify the Civic Society’s position. This road was proposed many years ago as the logical connection with the now completed Weymouth Relief Road via the Chickerell Link to Portland, avoiding the heavily congested Boot Hill/Portland Road corridor, and the tortuous section between Wyke Road and Foord’s Corner. Design work on the route was carried out, and it has been for many years, and still is, provided for in local planning policies.

The congestion and delays currently experienced are only too well known to all who have to struggle daily with journeys between Weymouth and Portland on a difficult route shared with heavy commercial vehicles, three schools and many shops, not to mention the dreadful air quality for residents along much of this route. There are no signs that the situation will improve, and a ‘western bypass’ is the last possible solution.

Quite apart from the relief of Rodwell and Wyke Regis, the link is essential to the long term viability of Portland Port, the success of the Sailing Academy, the quarrying industry and businesses in general on the Island.

Your correspondent Michael Wheller (‘Your Say’, 20th September) refers to this Society’s proclaimed concern for environmental protection – which includes both the built and natural environment. But a balance has to be struck. For almost all of its length the Western Relief Route would be well inland from the shores of the Fleet and its wetlands. The Lorton Nature Reserve and Two Mile Coppice show that conservation and a carefully constructed road need not necessarily be incompatible, while Weymouth Way runs beside the famous RSPB reserve of Radipole Lake. There are other well documented examples countrywide.

We are well aware that a ‘Western Bypass’ is unlikely to be realised for some years, but it would be foolish in the extreme to throw away the last possibility of this relief route. After all, the arguments for it are just the same as those advanced for the recently completed Weymouth (Upwey, Broadwey and Redlands) Relief Road.

PM Bollam, President, Weymouth Civic Society