ANGRY residents have formed a campaign group over the council's decision to award Highcliffe Castle tearooms contract to a different provider.

A meeting on Tuesday evening at the Old School House in Lymington Road, saw more than 80 residents pack out the hall, with standing room only.

Concerns have been raised by the former tearoom owner Sean Kearney, residents and councillors about the authority's decision to award the tender to a global catering company, Aramark UK.

Now, the Friends of Highcliffe Castle Tearooms has been established in opposition to the decision.

In a letter to the council, Nigel Brooks, on behalf of the group said the decision was "wrong and should not proceed."

They have criticised the council for the lack of public information, which in turn led to a lack of intervention from residents.

And they have also suggested a different tender process could have been used to secure a contract, referred to as the 'Light Touch Regime'.

This would have reduced the "process burdens" on the tenderers, the group claim.

"The process (Christchurch) adopted was wrong, ‘over the top’ and created a ‘no win’ approach for the existing concession", they added.

The Friends also called into question the long period of15 years that the contract runs for, labelling it "unreasonable".

And they have taken aim at the council for not supporting local businesses and trade in their decision.

They conclude: "Is this the right concession solution for Highcliffe Castle Tea Rooms, a billion dollar US conglomerate?

"Having regard to the foregoing and the approach by CBC to placing the catering concession with Aramark, it is not."

Previously, a spokesperson for Aramark UK said they "have a commitment to excellence in food and catering facilities and have a passion for local tradition and culture."

They added: "Aramark UK aims to bring its passion for food and wealth of experience in catering to the Highcliffe Castle Tearooms, while respecting, nurturing and preserving the refined beauty of the area."