Three new town councils will be created in Bournemouth, Broadstone and Poole following a tense meeting of councillors on Tuesday night.
After nearly four hours of debate, the plan was narrowly approved despite strong opposition from councillors and members of the public. Concerns were raised about cost, bureaucracy, and the lack of information shared with residents before the decision was made.
The public gallery was full throughout, and attendees were reminded several times that although the meeting was public, they were not permitted to take part.
Opposition came from councillors across all main political parties, who argued the new councils were not wanted by residents. A petition signed by almost four thousand people called for the decision to be delayed until twenty twenty-seven, but it could not be formally accepted as it lacked a substantive motion.
The final decision followed seven separate votes. Councillors agreed not to create new councils in Boscombe and Pokesdown, Redhill and Northbourne, or Southbourne.
Broadstone Town Council will have eight councillors across two wards, while Bournemouth will have ten wards with twenty-one councillors. Poole will also have fifteen wards and twenty-one councillors.
The new councils will take effect from April first, twenty twenty-six, with elections to follow in May.
Who are we? We're building a new independent free news source for BCP and east Dorset, with fewer ads, less clutter, and no filler articles. And we'd love your support. Please help us grow locally by letting your friends know about us on social media, and have a listen to Bournemouth One online and on DAB for all your local news, traffic, jobs, weather, coastal info and more.
Register below for free regular updates via email.