Dorchester businesses face big hit with council staff home-working

Dorchester businesses say the closure of council offices until at least next March will have a big impact on the county town’s economy.

Many cafes, restaurants, pubs, barbers and take-away shops are within a short walk of County Hall and offices at South Walks House, Acland Road and Princes Street.

Phil Gordon, project director at Dorchester BID which helps promote local business, says the council should be leading by example.

“As central government are asking/encouraging/begging us all to return to our offices and get back to work they should be leading by example from the top down and this should include local authorities.

"They are a vital part of the local economy and all businesses have missed their spending since March. I don’t know how long everyone can hold out for without this regular spend.”

Mr Gordon says the Business Improvement District will continue to do all it can to encourage people to shop in the town and has done so through lockdown with a range of measures, including promotions, working with both the town council and the Chamber of Commerce.

“Dorchester BID will continue to be the town’s best ally in the current climate by looking at additional creative ways to support the town’s business community but, local authorities must play their part too.

“I would love someone to do the maths and estimate how much staff at the council would normally contribute to the economy in a month in Dorchester. It has to be substantial and it has currently vanished. It’s true that no town has the right to expect to have a large workforce on its doorstep, but as the County town, Dorchester deserves this mutual support and I very much hope that the leaders of the council (both political and public) change their minds on this decision – It would not be a U turn, It would a well-considered change of thinking, taking into account the potentially huge negative impact of the whole town’s economy as a result of the council offices staying mainly closed until March next year.”

Johnny Fiori, who runs the popular Horse with the Red Umbrella in High West Street says he is disappointed by the council’s decision and has suggested that it considers having at least some of the staff back in its offices, where safe to do so, which he says might encourage other businesses to follow suit.

“The town has struggled on with the few visitors there has been about this summer, but the impact of the office closures has very badly hit footfall…if only 50per cent came back to the offices it would be a big help; the town’s struggling enough and could do without this,” he said.

Dorset Council and town councillor Molly Rennie says the decision to put the safety of staff first is understandable, but says she is concerned for local jobs which rely on council staff.

“Their spending in our town will be down especially lunch time businesses in the cafes and sandwich shops,” said Cllr Rennie, who is now asking Dorchester residents and those living nearby to bear in mind the Spend Local campaign and to support town businesses and the people who work there as much as possible over the coming months.

By Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter