COUNCILLORS were heckled as residents accused them of being 'undemocratic' in a row about the Highcliffe zig zag path.

During a turbulent full council meeting at Christchurch on Tuesday, residents opposed to the closure of the Highcliffe Castle zig zag asked ten questions relating to the contentious issue.

The Rothesay Drive Residents Association and Friends of Highcliffe Beaches and Cliffs also presented a petition signed by more than 3,000 people calling on the local authority to rethink the controversial decision.

Questions from campaigners raised issues with the impact on business and weddings at the Castle and tearooms, the timing of the decision during a consultation on the coastal strategy, why a second opinion wasn't sought and what funding options were explored prior to the decision.

Members of the public also asked how the council intended to honour its commitment to disabled people and those with limited mobility by closing the zig zag.

And there was also a question about what alternative routes the council has explored to put in a new path or access.

During the meeting, one campaigner asked whether members thought they should remain in office, having made a "discriminatory action to please the Chief Finance Officer".

In response to a question about alternatives to the zig zag, including a cliff lift or similar, Cllr Sally Derham Wilkes, chairman of the community committee added: "We did consider what other ways there would be of accessing the beach but we did decide that in view of the costs involved and staffing it would not be a reasonable option."

She said: "On the questions about the officers advising us and how was the decision made, the decision made by the councillors at that meeting was based on a lot of facts and information and investigations that we did ourselves before and during the meeting.

"The councillors voted as they did for the whole of Christchurch."

Bob Hutchings, chair of the residents association, who presented the petition said: "You say you are a council seeking to enhance your reputation as being "open for business".

"You also say you're a listening council. Now you have a real opportunity to demonstrate both of these qualities as well as avoiding reputational damage, by listening to the 3,233 people who signed our petition."

The petition will be considered as part of the response to the coastal strategy, said Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Nick Geary.

Mr Hutchings responded: "Is that democracy?"