I write as a very concerned resident of Weymouth, but also as a keen supporter of the Eden Portland project, which would be so timely given the concerns for climate change and loss of biodiversity, and would provide an inspirational visitor attraction and catalyst for economic regeneration for Dorset. My concerns for Weymouth and Portland are that in the years we have known the area since moving here in 1977 it has faced blow after blow economically with the loss of the Dorset Institute of Higher Education, closure of the Portland Naval Base, the Admiralty Research Establishment, the reduction in jobs at Winfrith, HM Land Registry and many local firms, plus the reduction in local government employment in the area as a result of joint working with other councils followed by unitary status.