Community council plans divide residents' opinions

Town and parish councils often take over emptying of dog poo bins

People living in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are being asked if they want to establish new community councils.

The bodies would see elected councillors look after things like parks, community facilities and grass cutting

Supporters say they would protect leisure services and events, which are "key to local wellbeing", from cuts as BCP Council faces increasing funding pressure.

But critics argue the move would create another level of bureaucracy and increase the amount of council tax residents pay, at a time when personal finances are under strain.

BCP Council is carrying out a community governance review, the first since it was created in 2019.

Options include creating new councils or merging, altering or abolishing existing parishes.

Councillor Mike Cox, deputy council leader and an elected member on Christchurch Town Council, said he had seen the benefit of community councils: "We've been able to take over facilities like the Quomps splash park, which faced closure by BCP council due to its budget pressures."

He said grass cutting and maintenance of green spaces was now being carried out at less cost by the town council.

Jacquie Stewart, who went to a meeting to voice her support for a community council in Southbourne, said: "Councils are strapped for cash and the situation is getting worse.

"They don't have the money for the nice things in local areas which make us all enjoy where we live, like events and public toilets.

"The new council could do that."

Jenny Ayling raised her concerns at a public meeting about community councils in Southbourne

Jenny Ayling, who also lives in Southbourne, raised concerns about the idea: "We don't know how much this will cost residents, the tax can be raised every year and is not capped.

"Many people can't afford it and they're already paying the council for these services."

Steve Hayes, from Oakdale in Poole, agreed and pointed out the individual borough councils were scrapped only six years ago in a huge reorganisation.

"Now they want Poole town and Bournemouth town and Broadstone and Redhill and Boscombe to have councils?" he said.

"Surely it's reversing all the efficiencies of the last reorganisation? Adding in the extra layer of government and elections to them will be very expensive."

The consultation runs until 22 June.

Responses will be analysed before a recommendation goes before cabinet in October.