Improvements could be made to Dorchester's Mill Stream path – which runs from King's Road to the bottom end of High East Street.

Much of the route takes walkers past the back of industrial buildings and a large garage site, but also includes an historic former foundry and malthouse.

The town's heritage committee is now to investigate what can be done to explain the sites which people walk by – possibly adding interpretation boards and artwork.

The idea was put forward by councillor Stella Jones and was welcomed by town councillors at recent meeting.

The area is rich in history and its past has included the Mill Street Mission and the Housing Society which was established in 1931 to provide decent family rented homes.

The first were built in King's Road in 1932 at a cost of £320 and rented for five shillings and six pence a week. The foundation stone was laid by Thomas Hardy.

A map of the area shows many roads and buildings which have since disappeared – including Cuckold's Row and the Little Mead Inn.

But some remnants of the town's industrial past still remain, including the former Lott and Walne Foundry at the High East Street end of the path which is now housing.

The town council will also asked for Dorset Council to clear overgrowing weeds and grass from the area and to look at the surface of the path which, in places, is deteriorating.