LymeLiving - OCTOBER 2026 - Edition_compressed (1) - Flipbook - Page 6
6
THE
LEADER’S
VIEW
UTUMN is often the time
A when our attention turns to
the longer-term.
And in recent months I have been
discussing exactly that. Not
simply next year's priorities or
budget, but what sort of Dorset
we want to leave to future
generations.
One of the biggest pieces of work
underway is preparing Dorset's
new Local Plan, which will
influence where homes are built,
where businesses can grow, what
infrastructure communities need
and how we protect our
landscapes.
Getting the balance right is not
easy. We need more affordable
homes, thriving businesses,
investment and good jobs.
At the same time, we want to
protect the countryside, coast
and character of our towns and
villages.
For me, the challenge is not
choosing one or the other. It is
finding ways to achieve both.
Few places understand the
importance of the natural
environment better than Lyme
Regis - the coast is central to the
town's identity. That’s why I’m
pleased to see continued
progress on Dorset's Motion for
the Ocean initiative.
This work brings together
councils and partners to improve
the health of our seas, coastline
and marine environment.
Alongside these longer-term
issues, councils everywhere face
significant financial pressures.
Dorset is no exception.
We have one of the oldest
populations in England and
demand for services, particularly
adult social care, continues to
grow. Managing those pressures
while protecting frontline
services remains one of our
biggest challenges and highest
priorities.
None of this can be done alone.
Success depends on strong
partnerships.
In that spirit, I would like to
welcome Mark Green as Lyme
Regis Town Council's new town
clerk. I look forward to building a
positive relationship with Mark as
we work together on the issues
that matter to Lyme Regis
residents.
Whenever I visit Lyme Regis, I’m
reminded of the energy, pride
and community spirit that makes
it such a special place. Those
qualities give me confidence
about the future, not just for
Lyme Regis but for Dorset as a
whole.
Leader of Dorset Council,
Cllr Nick Ireland
News from Dorset Council
LymeLiving - The Lyme Regis Town Council Magazine
