Three new town councils planned despite objections

Broadstone, Poole and Bournemouth could soon have their own town councils

A Dorset council is to press ahead with plans for a new layer of local government, despite a majority of residents saying they don't want new authorities established in their area.

The three new town councils in Bournemouth, Poole and Broadstone will act independently of the current Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council and have their own budgets and councillors.

Judes Butt, a councillor who represents Creekmoor for the Poole Engage party, is very concerned a consultation of residents is being ignored.

"Giving new democratic rights to people makes no sense if they have said they don't want it and it's imposed on them," said Butt.

But the Liberal Democrat council leader Mille Earl said the council had made a commitment to look at ways to give communities more say over the decisions that affect their local area.

The new town councils could take over running allotments, parks, festivals and car parks.

The idea of the new level of government was mooted as part of a community governance review, the first carried out by BCP council since it was created in 2019.

In the consultation, people were asked if they supported the idea of new town councils in their area.

Of the respondents living within the proposed area in Bournemouth, 78% said they did not want a town council established.

In the Broadstone area, 59% of respondents rejected the idea.

Christchurch town council took over Quomps splash park which was being closed by BCP council due to budget constraints.

Mike Cox, deputy council leader and an elected member on Christchurch Town Council, said he had seen the benefit of community councils: "The costs are limited and we do an awful lot - saving the splash park, the Christchurch Christmas lights and the Mudeford cricket pitch."

Butt claims people haven't been told how much extra they will have to pay for the new town councils.

"Historically parish councils are small but this will create huge unwieldy town councils, which will be expensive to run," said Butt.

"We fear some people, who can't afford it, will see bills of hundreds of pounds a year."

The report recommending the new authorities will be considered at a cabinet meeting on 1 October and a full council hearing on 14 October.