THE decision to install the controversial 'jettygate' at Mudeford Sandbank was made following four years of discussion, Christchurch councillors were told.

The gate was recently reinstalled on the jetty having been temporarily removed after vandalism earlier this summer.

At their latest meeting, members of the council's scrutiny and policy overview committee were presented with a report about the decision which led to the 'prison-style gate' being installed.

A task and finish group was established after the gate was put up on the sandbank jetty, without ever being approved by members at a public committee.

Chairman, Cllr Colin Jamieson said the decision was made under delegated powers, "following four years of discussions between the council, the ferry operator and the beach hut owners".

"In the end the council officers made the decision to put in the gate to protect the council's commercial interests and to address health and safety problems.

"The pontoon and the jetty is the property of the council and on balance the scrutiny committee agreed it was the right decision to install the gate."

A report to the committee said the decision to order the gate was "open, transparent and correct".

It also endorsed the need for the second group, set-up from the policy and resources committee, to continue reviewing future facilities for the users of Mudeford Sandbank.

One beach hut owner, former travel boss Stephen Bath, said the "wretched" gate put in place on Monday was "even more unpleasant looking than the previous ones".

"It is ironic that this whole process has united all of us on the beach against the council officials," he said.

"The councillors aren't really in control of the council, it is just like Yes Minister really. Clearly in this case Sir Humphrey Appleby is winning hands down."

Mr Bath said he believed the gate should never be locked as it would pose a hazard should there be a fire on one of the ferries.

"There have been no accidents on this jetty in 50 years," he said.

"They have come up with a gate that was never necessary and which won't be used. I think the council officers should be highly embarrassed to have blown a fortune on a project that is just so much scrap metal."