THE MIX of chains and independent restaurants in Bournemouth should be "celebrated" according to a council member.

This is despite concerns from some local businesses in the town regarding national names coming the town.

Last month, established restaurant Coriander closed and other independent eateries have spoken out about worries regarding their future.

The BH2 complex has accelerated a trend in chain restaurants coming to the area, with 13 new arrivals all at once earlier this year.

However, Cllr Philip Broadhead, portfolio holder with responsibilities for economic growth at Bournemouth Borough Council, says it is essential to have a variety of food establishments.

“As the UK’s premier coastal resort, providing a mix of the type of restaurant offerings is extremely important," Cllr Broadhead said.

"However, we also have to recognise real improvements that new developments and establishments have made to our town.

"Many young families now enjoy coming into Bournemouth in the evenings, something which happened much less often only a few years ago and visitors and residents are often commenting how vibrant and exciting our town now feels, aided by these new investments.

“Chains have an important role to play in bringing new footfall into the town, which then further establishes the destination and benefits everyone, including the independents.

"We are working hard with organisations like the Town Centre and Coastal Business Improvement Districts and the Chamber of Commerce to attract a variety of food and drink options in the town.

"Moving forwards, creating more distinctive dining proposals that set Bournemouth apart will also be a vital element.

“In addition, our support of the Bournemouth and Poole Sustainable Food City Partnership is just one of the ways we are encouraging businesses to use locally sourced food and drink, whether they are an independent or chain restaurant.

"I think we should celebrate the mix of options that our wonderful town offers.”

Mark Cribb, owner of Urban Guild which includes a number of eateries in Bournemouth, says the debate on chains has been ongoing over the last year, but thinks the town should look to other parts of the country who have got the balance right.

"I'm a Bournemouth boy, lived here as a kid, educated here and I like brand Bournemouth," Mr Cribb said.

"People can moan about the council or various aspects, but fundamentally we're very lucky. We've got the New Forest on one side and the Purbeck's on the other so it's a great brand.

"We're no longer 100% a tourist town. We've got the universities, the digital sector, head offices and also quite a diverse town now.

"You want residents to be happy and if they are then tourists will probably feel that way too.

"Bars, restaurants, culture, arts, events and gigs are what makes a town interesting and places like Bristol, Brighton, Bath and London are doing this really well.

"We're not bad, but what we've got to be careful of is that we've got to stay relevant. Whether it's for residents or businesses the more eclectic that mix is positive, but there is a balance to be struck."

Mr Cribb is a member of Bournemouth Tourism and Marketing Group.

The body meets to share and discuss topics of interest, with representatives from the universities, hotels and restaurants all part of the discussion.

"Having some brands in the town is a good thing. It's happened in all industries so we're not the first to experience this debate," Mr Cribb added.

"In the bar and restaurant trade the customer experience is even more important.

"Most of the time when you go out to a restaurant its not necessarily about what you eat and drink, its about the time you spend with people and that is an art not a science."

"You need some chains because it gives credibility to the town and it highlights that it must be a busy bustling town.

"But if you only end up with brands you lose the independence and soul. That's the thing residents and tourists want - the opportunity to have both."