A PROPOSAL has been put forward to create a new parish council for the Highcliffe and Walkford areas of Christchurch.

Not-for-profit organisation the Highcliffe Residents Association (HRA) has submitted proposals for the new body, which would be called the Highcliffe Community Council.

The suggestion has come about because of the Community Governance Review, recently initiated by Christchurch council. The review allows local organisations to propose the creation of parish councils covering specific parts of the borough.

The villages of Burton and Hurn currently have parish councils but they are the only ones in the borough.

Proposals for new parish councils had to be submitted by February 23 which did not allow time for the Highcliffe Residents Association to carry out full consultation.

But HRA Director Richard Reader said: "Based on the often-expressed view at HRA meetings that the Highcliffe area does not get proportionate consideration when borough-wide policies or resource allocations are considered, the HRA committee decided to propose the creation of a parish council for Highcliffe and Walkford, to be called the Highcliffe Community Council.

"This would keep the option open for full consultation during the next round of the review, when a range of possibilities will be published for comment."

Chairman Rob Austin said he will ensure full consultation with residents at the next stage and that details will be made available on the HRA website, highclifferesidents.co.uk