A SENIOR councillor is calling on Bournemouth council officers to “pull their finger out” and back campaigners battling to save Hengistbury Head outdoor education centre.

Cllr Claire Smith, leader of the Liberal Democrat group, spoke out after a request to extend the centre’s stay of execution was refused.

Council chiefs rejected a request to keep the water sports and activity venue open until the end of October, saying it would cost another £35,000 of taxpayers’ money.

It means the centre will close at the end of August, as originally agreed, before cabinet members meet in September to consider bids.

Campaigners asked for the centre to remain open until October after it became apparent the tendering would not be completed by August.

Cllr Smith said: “Every help must be given, by council officers, to progress the tenders. It would be much better if the centre could remain open until the new operators take it over.

“Timings are tight. We need officers to pull their finger out in the next couple of months to ensure the rescue plan is a success. If there is a will there is a way.”

Cllr Eddie Coope, East Southbourne and Tuckton councillor, said: “People seem to be putting stumbling blocks in the way of progress. I think the centre should stay open.

“It is important that bids are scrutinised before officers go off on leave.”

Jane Portman, the council’s executive director of children and families’ services, said: “For a number of reasons I have decided we should not seek to extend the date for closure.”

She stressed that a deferral would not help secure the centre’s long-term future and that the council had to provide a “clear timetable”.

She claimed that the £35,000 needed to keep it open until the end of October would have to be taken away from other projects.

She added: “We are determined to find the best solution and will continue to work closely with all interested parties.”

Mark Merritt, a member of the community group hoping to beat commercial companies to the contract, said: “We are very confident indeed but it does depend on public support.”