ANGRY residents voiced their views on Christchurch's beaches at an open consultation event at Highcliffe Castle.

The focus of people's opinions centred on restoring Highcliffe zig zag path.

Other comments included avoiding overdevelopment of the beaches, limiting dog use on beaches and toilet facility issues.

The event was organised by Christchurch Borough Council as the community and leisure team seek to update the town's coastal strategy.

Residents came out in force to have their say at the all-day event.

Cllr Sally Derham-Wilkes, chair of the community committee, said she was pleased to see the people of Christchurch playing an active part in the town's future.

"It's brilliant to have everybody here having their say and we even had people queuing up before we opened," Cllr Derham-Wilkes said.

"The event is about looking at the whole of the coastline in the borough and seeing what the residents might like to see on the coast.

"After the event we will have to look at the comments and see what everyone's ideas are and see what is realistic to do with our budgets."

At the consultation, residents were able view summaries of each of Christchurch's beaches and leave comments relating to a specific area of the coast.

However, the main issue raised was the closure of the zig zag path.

Sue Pike, from Highcliffe, said: "The zig zag is a big issue and needs to be looked at again.

"It just makes no sense to be wasting money on Avon Beach when in Highcliffe people can't get down to the beach.

"It seems ridiculous when it is there and needs repairing. The zig zag doesn't have to be fancy it just needs to be safe."

Mel Pike, also from Highcliffe, added: "Its an absolute farce and it needs to be sorted.

"While the zig zag is out of action it is stopping many people from going down to the beach."

Keith Rogers, from Mudeford, said: "The most pressing concern is the zig zag.

"It's an important place and there is no other access other than the steep steps and you couldn't expect elderly people, or someone with young children to use them.

Jeremy Coulton, from Christchurch, said: "I would like to see the trees remain in place along the beach.

"I want people to enjoy the beach, but it does seem like there is an awful lot of beach huts.

"The beach is for everybody, but some of the development is impractical."

Terry Smith, from Mudeford, said: "My message for the beach I use the most, Gundimore Beach, is please leave it alone.

"An area which does concern me is Mudeford itself as you come down to Avon Beach.

"It is a narrow road with double yellow lines, but there is always blue badge holders parked there.

"I know they are allowed to do it, but more space should be made for disabled parking in the actual car parks so they don't block the road."