RESIDENTS are being invited to attend a conference aimed at tackling the thorny issue of poverty in Weymouth and Portland.

Weymouth & Portland Action on Wages (WeyPAW) is holding its second annual conference at 12pm on Saturday September 28 at SafeWise Weymouth on Radipole Lane.

The group campaigns to improve quality of life for people in the area, and wants as many people as possible to join the discussion on how to improve low wages and high housing costs that blight the town.

The group recently submitted its manifesto to Dorset Council following a well-attended conference last September.

In the document, WeyPAW laid out action points that members say will help improve quality of life for residents.

Philip Marfleet, WeyPAW convenor, said: "We face chronically low wages, insecure jobs and very high housing costs. There’s growing child poverty and ill-health - Weymouth and Portland now ranks bottom of the national index for social mobility.

“At the conference we’ll discuss policies for change – policies our local authorities need to address urgently if Weymouth and Portland is to tackle this very serious crisis."

As reported in the Dorset Echo, over 40 per cent of children in areas of Weymouth and Portland are living below the poverty line, and figures show that social mobility in the area is the very worst in the UK, according to league tables produced by the government.

Speakers at the event include professor Jane Milliar, a former special adviser to the house of commons, and other leading academics. The event will take the format of an open public forum, with discussion and debate encouraged.

Activists from Keep Portland Hospital and the Dorset Parents' campaign for SEND Children will also be in attendance to answer questions on their local campaigns.

“Everyone is welcome to attend and make their voices heard", Mr Marfleet added. "We’ve invited all members of Dorset Council – we want them to hear first-hand about problems that need prompt action to end what has been described as ‘Dorset’s shame’. ”

For more information find WeyPAW on Facebook, contact weypaw@gmail.com or visit wwww.weypaw.org.uk