CAMPAIGNERS have urged West Dorset District Council to do more to stop Dorchester people being forced out of the town by wealthy incomers.

The Dorchester Labour Housing Forum says there are many working people in the town who would love to get a foot on the housing ladder but are struggling due to low wages and high house prices.

The group spoke out when plans for the Dorchester Prison set looked set to be approved without one of the 189 homes being made affordable, despite 1,149 people being on the housing list.

The plans ended up being rejected last week on planning grounds not relating to the provision of affordable homes.

The Housing Forum says that no affordable housing was provided on the site of the district council's former officers at Stratton House.

Alastair Simpson is just one of many who contacted the Dorchester Labour Housing Forum, desperate for affordable housing given the high property prices and private rents in the town.

He said: Being Dorchester born and raised I'm extremely disappointed not to be able to afford to live in my town.

"There are complaints about the lack of young people in the county, but this is a vicious circle that pushes us away - we cannot afford to live in the place we grew up."

Chairman of the Dorchester Labour Party Barry Thompson said: "We are hoping to see evidence of WDDC Tories campaigning for their government to change the law nationally and ensure new houses both for rent and for sale are for local people not rich incomers."

Cllr Tim Yarker, West Dorset District Council’s executive portfolio holder for housing, said: "Since April 2014, 63 affordable homes have been completed in Poundbury, with an additional 16 affordable homes completed at Red Cow Farm, Dorchester.

"80 affordable homes in Poundbury are being constructed, this includes 63 units in an Extra Care Scheme that the district council has supported.

“West Dorset District Council also supports rural and community-led affordable housing projects with schemes in Marshwood, Toller Porcorum, Maiden Newton, Chideock, Symondsbury and Whitchurch Canonicorum, Powerstock and Lyme Regis. We’re one of the leading district councils for supporting Community Land Trusts.

“The council will continue to work hard to bring other affordable housing schemes forward."