A COUNCILLOR said Bournemouth council is "doing away with the town's heritage" after the famous teddy bear stall was to be axed.

Cllr Dennis Gritt, a long-time supporter of the fundraising tombola, spoke out after it was confirmed the stall will not be returning to the Lower Gardens this summer.

As reported in the Daily Echo, volunteers were left "saddened" after learning of the decision, made by the independent Lower Gardens Central Trust Board, which is chaired by Cllr Bob Chapman.

Cllr Gritt said: "This is something which has been going for generations.

"It is run completely by volunteers of various charities, and it's very popular with students, holiday-makers and Bournemouth families too. The decision has left many, including myself, feeling shocked and upset."

The charity stall - a well-known fixture in the gardens during the summer - was three years ago relocated to a new site near the mini-golf course.

Operators claimed they had seen takings drop since the stall was moved from its former location between the gardens and Pier Approach.

And this year, they have learned that the fundraising tombola will not return at all as the council pursues options that "breathe new life" into the gardens.

Cllr Gritt said: "I understand the decision is about the continuing push to modernise, and there is nothing wrong with being modern.

"But people appreciate their heritage too, and the teddy bear stall represents that for many."

Cllr Anne Rey, who has volunteered at the stall since the 1960s, said the stall was initially moved for "health and safety reasons" - despite the fact it had stood at its first location for years without incident.

"It is very hard to understand," Cllr Rey said.

"This is something that Bournemouth families have visited for generations."

Cllr Gritt said: "It is just one of those things Bournemouth has always had, for as long as many people can remember.

"Blackpool has its tower, Brighton has its pier, and we had our teddy bear stall."

Cllr Rey raised the issue of the stall at the full council meeting earlier this month, and was told by Cllr Chapman that although charitable work "must continue" in the gardens, "new ideas should be developed to breathe new life into this charitable work".

He added that the charities that have benefitted from the teddy bear stall in the past will be considered for any future scheme that is introduced in the gardens.