Melcombe Regis, Dorset Council
Melcombe Regis, Weymouth Town Council
Mayor of Weymouth 2024/25
Dr Jon Orrell has been councillor for Melcombe Regis on Dorset Council since 2019, and also serves the area on Weymouth Town Council, currently as town mayor.
Jon’s family has had a four-generation link to Weymouth. Jon’s grandfather ran the Lupins Hotel in the mid-20th Century. His parents were married at St John’s Church. Jon has himself seen the hard work of running a hotel. So, he’s keen to support local hospitality and tourism.
Jon’s father worked as a GP at the Royal Crescent Surgery for 30 years. His mother was a practice nurse. Jon has worked for 25 years as a GP in the same surgery.
Jon is very concerned about the NHS. At its best, it delivers local healthcare without charging money to patients. The last 15 years of government cutbacks to social care have seen the NHS on the ropes. It can recover if treated well. The NHS has a core of dedicated doctors, nurses and other workers. It is vital that we have a supportive government to look after it. Jon is totally committed to preserving and improving our local health service.
Latest news featuring jon Orrell
- Cllrs Clare Sutton and Jon Orrell address hundreds at Stop Portland Waste Incinerator protest
Green Councillors Clare Sutton (Rodwell & Wyke) and Jon Orrell (Melcombe Regis, and Mayor of Weymouth) were among the speakers at a Stop Portland Waste Incinerator protest in Weymouth on Saturday 16 November, attended by hundreds of concerned local citizens. The protest against the new Labour Government’s decision to green-light the scheme was the lead item on Saturday night’s BBC Spotlight. - Jon Orrell secured insurance for flowers in Wesley Street, Melcombe Regis, which went on to win Civic Society award
Looking back at Jon Orrell’s 2019-2024 term of office [4/4]… The wonderful flowers and tubs on Wesley Street, Melcombe Regis are the work of local residents themselves. They have done a great job brightening up the scene. They were at risk of losing this through a lack of insurance. As part of a charity called Transition Towns, local Green Councillor Jon Orrell was able to help secure insurance. The street went on to win a Civic Society award. - Jon Orrell sits on boards supporting homeless and vulnerable people, local businesses, and health scrutiny
Looking back on Jon Orrell’s 2019-2024 term of office [3/4]… The Lantern on Ranelagh Road has been helping homeless and vulnerable people for decades. Lately Jon Orrell has joined the board as a trustee. Jon says: “The Lantern is going from strength to strength. Houses are being bought for people who are rebuilding their lives. A new venture has seen the NHS invest in mental health treatments at Hope House by St John’s church. Jon is also involved in the board of We are Weymouth as the town council link. Jon has also sat on the Health and People Scrutiny Board in Dorchester. - Change of use of St John’s Gardens, Melcombe Regis, obtained by Jon Orrell, reaps benefits
Looking back at Jon Orrell’s 2019-2024 term of office [2/4]… Melcombe Regis Green Councillor Jon Orrell says: “It has been good to see that the permission I gained for the change of use for the precious St John’s Gardens has reaped benefits over the last few years. “This oasis of green now has a corner used by local groups who engage with people with learning needs. The fruits (and veg) of their labours are wonderful to see. - Jon Orrell helped redevelop footpath and cycleway by Weymouth’s B&Q
Looking back on Jon Orrell’s 2019-2024 term of office [1/4]… Pictured is the new footpath and cycleway that runs by B&Q in Weymouth. It used to be narrow and messy. Melcombe Regis Green Councillor Jon Orrell worked with Public Health and other partners to redevelop this area, and preserve the old railway lines that are part of our history. Jon said: “I am keen to see the rich past of our town celebrated whilst also making it safe to walk and cycle. - “This is not fair on our town”: Jon Orrell opposes higher car parking charges for Weymouth than for other towns – and proposed loss of car parks
Melcombe Regis Green Councillor Jon Orrell opposes the higher car parking charges for Weymouth, with other Dorset towns remaining much cheaper. Meanwhile, the town council is working on a new plan for the coming decade. One part concerns building on two small car parks. Jon Orrell said: “I do not support this in the absence of much better bus links and joining up with the train station.” - Cllr Jon Orrell: Indications of illegal Wessex Water sewage discharges “shocking”
Green Councillor Jon Orrell (Melcombe Regis) has been featured in the Dorset Echo, responding to a BBC investigation which suggests Wessex Water may have illegally dumped sewage on dry days. Across the Wessex Water area from the Dorset coast to the Bristol area, the BBC identified 68 sites where sewage may have been illegally discharged last year. Wessex Water disputes much of the data. Jon was quoted in the Echo: “It’s shocking that they’re dropping sewage on dry days, we were led to believe that it may be a problem with storm surge, but it turns out that they are putting it out on dry days as well. - Jon Orrell: Jurassic Coast drilling shows Government energy policy is leading us towards climate chaos
Green Party Councillor Dr Jon Orrell said “It is clear that arresting climate chaos means keeping fossil fuels in the ground. Prospecting for more is madness and shows the folly of this governing party; seeking short term profit for the few and causing long term devastation for the many. They are happy to allow oil exploration, but would not support a windfarm in the same waters.” West & South Dorset Green Party members are in full support of those campaigning against the drilling.
Contact Jon Orrell
01305 772152
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Melcombe Regis Green Matters – community newsletters
Melcombe Regis Green Matters is Councillor Jon Orrell’s community newsletter, delivered by his team to all 2,430 homes in Melcombe Regis. View past editions here as PDF downloads.