THE decision to install the controversial jetty gate at Mudeford sandbank "lacked transparency", a debate at Christchurch council heard.

Ongoing questions continue to be raised over the decision to erect the gate on the pontoon at Mudeford.

On Tuesday, members of the scrutiny and policy review committee approved the establishment of a task and finish group to look at whether the process to erect the gate was 'correct and properly transparent'.

During a debate on the issue, newly elected committee chairman, Cllr Colin Jamieson commented that the decision "lacked transparency."

Despite there being no legal issues over the decision, which was taken by officers under delegated powers, members insisted on more scrutiny of the decision-making process, which was not discussed at a public meeting before the gate was installed.

Cllr David Jones said: "It is the process by which this was decided.

"The legal advice is one element but somewhere along the line there should have been a decision by an elected member."

Cllr Peter Hall added: "There is clearly no reason for the gate to be installed. There have been no accidents or injuries and I would like it removed permanently."

In response to concerns about the reputational damage this may have caused the council, strategic director Louise Miller said: "Reputational risk is very important; I know that officers did have informal discussions with elected members and I think that they thought that members were more aware of the issues than they were."

Cllr Colin Bungey responded: "For years we have had this situation where decisions are being taken by officers and members pick up the pieces.

"Any issue that is likely to be sensitive must come to a committee."

The recommendation has been welcomed by the Mudeford Sandbank Beach Hut Association, who described it as a "refreshing outcome."

A spokesperson said: "There will now be transparency in what has been a largely undemocratic hidden agenda. "The safety issues raised by the committee with the gate fitted sends a strong message to the council that the gate should not be re-installed until this process is concluded.

"We now look forward to working with all the stakeholders and the council on maintaining the sandbank as it has always been, a special place for everybody."

Despite the council saying a new gate had been ordered, a decision was taken to refurbish the old gate.

A new date for installation has not been confirmed.