Thank you to Lyme Regis Town Council for inviting me to speak directly to residents. I’m really pleased to have the chance to build a stronger working relationship for the benefit of the town.
Lyme Regis has a strong identity and a proud community and it’s a place that means a lot to me personally as well.
My daughter was married here, and my wife and I regularly come down to see shows at the Marine Theatre and stay overnight. That gives me a real appreciation of both the town and the issues that matter locally.
It’s clear to me that we can get more done by working more closely together. Dorset Council and the town council both have an important role, but by pulling in the same direction we can tackle long-standing issues, share expertise, and make better use of public money.
That should mean simpler, more joined-up services and clearer results for residents and businesses.
At Dorset Council, we’re focused on what matters most to people: good homes, strong local jobs, supportive communities, and protecting our environment. These priorities guide the decisions we take day-to-day.
For Lyme Regis, that means backing the local economy, improving access to affordable housing, and making sure services are reliable and responsive. It also means working with partners to look after the natural environment that makes the town so special.
A good example of this is our ongoing work to protect the Cobb and the wider coastline. We all know how important this is - not just for Lyme Regis, but for Dorset as a whole.
Our investment is about protecting homes and businesses, safeguarding heritage, and supporting tourism and the local economy for the long term.
As we head into the summer season, Lyme Regis will once again welcome visitors from across the country. That’s vital for local businesses and a great opportunity to showcase everything the town has to offer.
By working closely together, we can make sure Lyme Regis continues to thrive for residents as well as visitors.
I’m committed to building that stronger partnership in the months and years ahead and to making sure it delivers real, practical results for the town.