A COUNCILLOR has hit out at a controversial report into the Highcliffe beach huts fiasco, saying the public think it's a "whitewash".

The comment was made at a meeting of the full council at Christchurch on Tuesday as members 'considered' the recommendations in the report.

But despite the contentious history of the project, there was no discussion about the recommendations by the full council.

Introducing the final report on the overnight beach huts to the council, Cllr Lesley Dedman, the member who chaired the committee who investigated the bungled project, said members should move straight to the vote.

The report has previously been before both the scrutiny committee and April meeting of policy and resources.

But Independent councillor, Colin Bungey said: "I am surprised that we go straight to the vote without questions or debate."

He said that there is "disquiet in the public domain that although this was a thorough examination of the facts, there is no apportionment of blame to anyone or anything."

"They think it is a bit of a whitewash.

"I can't agree with the final conclusion. I will not be supporting this."

The project for overnight huts on the cliffs was canned last year after a high profile campaign to halt the scheme with TV production company Plum Pictures.

And at a meeting to discuss the report earlier this year, members vowed to never enter into "onerous" confidential contracts again.

They also recommended that any future contracts should be brought before a committee, changing the original recommendation from leader and deputy leader.

Members have also condemned the decision to keep the defunct contract secret from members - due to a 'non-reveal' clause.

And it was also critical of ward councillor Vicki Hallam, for 'misleading' officers over the level of public support for the scheme.

Full council voted to consider the recommendations by 15 votes to one, with four abstentions.