BCP Councillors share concerns over seafront strategy
Poole town Cllr Andy Hadley says talk from the ruling Conservative group about becoming “a world-class destination” was wearing thin with some residents
Less talk about likening the local seafront to Miami or Los Angeles might be welcomed – according to one opposition BCP councillor.
Poole town Cllr Andy Hadley says talk from the ruling Conservative group about becoming “a world-class destination” was wearing thin with some residents.
“The seafront is really cherished by many people… our residents don’t want to see it become over-developed…we could also do with a lot less hyperbole. Lots of people are uncomfortable with the ‘world-class’ moniker with “feels like Miami” or “feels like LA”, It’s not what people want,” he told Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting.
Cllr Hadley said that what they did want was to sort out raw sewage being pumped into the sea or harbour, improvements to toilets and disabled access and protecting the natural environment.
But the idea of aiming for world-class status was defended by Cllr Steve Baron, the lead member for Poole rejuvenation, who said there were no plans to make the area anything like Miami or Los Angeles.
“I don’t think anyone thinks that Poole will become like Miami, we haven’t got the weather for a start.
“What we are trying to do is make the area a world-class destination, but that doesn’t mean it has got to be like another world-class destination,” he said.
Cllr Nicola Greene said the aim of the strategy was to set out and build on what sets the area apart from others with residents at the heart of it.
She said it would be the first time that there was one vision – a move away from what she called the “piece-meal jigsaw puzzle” of previous councils.
Cllr Mike Greene said: “We do want to emulate world-class resorts because this place is exceptional. Let’s be proud of it and not hide away from the fact that we do want more people to come.”
The comments came during discussions about the council’s seafront strategy which tourism and active health brief holder Cllr Mohan Iyengar said meant making the best of the sea and harbour areas for both residents and visitors.
“It can’t just be a place for some people, it’s got to be a place for everybody whatever their age, their state of health or their pocket…it’s got to be for everybody,” he said.
Cllr Iyengar said that in the short term the council needed to focus on some of the basics and could then work on evolving separate identities for different areas, 18 of which had been identified, before tackling major landmarks and infrastructure, naming both Boscombe and Bournemouth piers.