QUESTIONS have been raised over Christchurch council’s lack of official support for future Britain in Bloom entries.

At a meeting of the full council on Tuesday, September 2, independent councillor Colin Bungey continued his questioning of the council over the issue.

Named the best town in 2001 by Britain in Bloom judges, the borough has been praised over the years for their colourful and attractive displays.

At the previous full council meeting in July, Cllr Bungey raised questions over the lack of entry this year.

He was told by Cllr Bernie Davis that the competition criteria had “changed significantly” and that they hoped the entry would be led by a community committee next year.

A lack of resources, following cuts to the tourism team, was also cited as a reason for the change.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Cllr Bungey enquired further about the decision-making process behind the change.

“Following my question last month when I asked if it were true that after years of success and good tourism publicity that Christchurch was not entering Britain in Bloom this year and having had it confirmed by the deputy leader that this was indeed the case and lack of staff was the reason, is the leader able to tell members who in fact made this decision?”

Cllr Bernie Davis, portfolio holder for community said: “Decisions are taken by the corporate team and the decision not to enter Britain in Bloom was communicated to me out of courtesy.”

Cllr Bungey replied: “I wonder when it became policy that officers take decisions on policy?

“On previous decisions that would have been brought to the appropriate committee with a report to explain why and the committee would have made a decision on that. I do not know of a time when officers take a decision.”

Cllr Davis added: “It was a corporate decision and it was confirmed to me but not at a meeting. I did not take that decision but I was aware.”