A MASS gathering in Weymouth has been hailed as a positive step towards reinvigorating the town and engaging with residents.

Around 500 people attended the Condor Moment yesterday, organisers said, and had the opportunity to talk to councillors and have their say on the future of Weymouth.

Organiser Jason West said he was thrilled to see so many people attend.“It was just really nice to have all these people with differing views talking together, sharing ideas and collaborating for the benefit of Weymouth.”

Mr West helped set up Wey Forward to improve the town and the event on the Pleasure Pier aimed to get people to contribute to a consultation being carried out by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council to shape a ‘masterplan’ for the town centre.

The event was aimed at families, with music and discussions running throughout.

Cllr Mike Byatt, who attended the event, said: “It is a very positive thing. I was very pleased at the turnout which made a really positive contribution to what the council is trying to achieve, which is a way we can be clear about people’s views and use that as part of our ambition to reshape the harbour and town centre and fuel economic growth.”

Mr West said the event could be a turning point in ‘reconnecting’ the public and the council and said he was grateful for the council’s support.

He said: “A lot of councillors came along, which was great. Since I’ve been involved in Wey Forward I have found that so many people are really angry at a very deep level at the management of the town and do not feel as though they have been listened to for years, decades, even.

“Hopefully events like this, through consultation and communication, will help to change that culture.”

Cllr Byatt said the council has made efforts to consult the public over the masterplan. I think we can learn lessons from events like these and it’s something we need to be mindful of.”