Residents across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have just over a week left to take part in a consultation that could change how their communities are represented.
The Community Governance Review closes on Sunday 22 June and is asking residents for their views on proposals to introduce new town and parish councils in parts of the BCP area that currently do not have them.
BCP Council is considering creating councils in Broadstone, Redhill and Northbourne, Boscombe and Pokesdown, and Southbourne. A town council is also being proposed for the rest of the former Bournemouth area, and another for the rest of the former Poole area.
If introduced, the new councils would be responsible for community-level services such as supporting local projects, managing small-scale amenities, and giving residents a more direct say in local decisions.
BCP Council Leader Councillor Millie Earl said residents’ knowledge of their own neighbourhoods is vital and urged people to respond before the deadline. She said the proposals would allow communities to take greater control over what matters most to them.
There are currently four parish councils and one town council operating within the BCP area. Each provides services such as maintaining parks, organising local events, and managing community centres. The same legal powers apply to town and parish councils, though town councils often have a mayor.
More information, including a video series using Highcliffe and Walkford as an example, is available on the consultation website and BCP Council’s social media channels. Residents can respond online or by picking up a paper form at any council library.
Final recommendations will be presented to the Full Council in October.