WHEN I decided to stand to be a member of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council I hoped that in some small way I could contribute something to the town which I love and to its residents. Since being elected I have had to make many decisions.

Some have been easy, but some extremely tough and the result has not always been the one I would have liked, for example, the seafront lighting.

I would have dearly loved to have seen the fairy lights re-instated as I always found the sight of them from the Ridgeway so welcoming when returning home from trips away.

Weymouth is a fantastic place with a rich heritage, both historically and culturally which is well worth preserving and promoting. We also currently have a wealth of talent in the areas of Weymouth and Portland.

When the idea of forming a Unitary Council for Dorset was first suggested this seemed the way forward,by saving money amongst other benefits.

Now unfortunately I have reservations, as it seems that Weymouth stands to lose more from this than it is to gain.

The Unitary Authority seems set on wanting to gain control of all the assets which generate a healthy income while leaving the Town Councils having to put their hands deep in their pockets in order to maintain the other amenities.

I therefore re-iterate what Cllrs Harris and Wheller have already said, and urge all W&PBC Councillors to attend the meeting on February 20 and fight for our rights.

Please remember that you were elected by the residents of Weymouth and Portland to serve them and their interests, and not by the whole of the residents of the county of Dorset.

Cathy Page-Nash

Cllr Radipole Weymouth