Discount plan for seaside residents gets go-ahead

Residents could get 10% off food and drink at seaside kiosks once the scheme is launched

A scheme that would give people living in some seaside towns free parking and swimming, along with a discount on food and drink, has been approved by senior councillors.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council's (BCP) cabinet gave the go-ahead for the plan to introduce a resident card by summer 2026.

The card would give holders 10% off at its seafront catering kiosks and outlets, an hour's free parking in selected car parks and an hour's free swimming at a council-owned leisure centre once a month.

In September, the authority's leader Millie Earl called it "an exciting step in revitalising our towns and high streets".

BCP said local businesses would be able to decide what benefits they offer.

The hour of free parking would be valid with any purchased session after 09:30 BST at selected council-owned car parks.

The scheme would see the introduction of digital and physical cards, plus a "user-friendly" website. The cards will be subject to an administrative charge of between £5 and £10.

The council said it was "more than just a discount scheme, it's about putting our people over visitors, a celebration of local place designed to reward residents and energise neighbourhoods".

It added: "Whether residents are grabbing a coffee along the seaside or travelling around our district centres or looking to take advantage of our council swimming pools, this is an exciting scheme which puts residents first."