CHRISTCHURCH councillors have put down a marker to any future authority over how they want the coastline managed.

It comes after an extensive consultation with the public last year led to residents calling for the council to 'keep things as they are'.

At a meeting of the community committee last Wednesday, members discussed the consultation and how the council should deal with the responses.

A recommendation was made just to note the results of the consultation, partly due to the uncertainty surrounding the reorganisation of Dorset councils.

The main concern raised during the consultation was the initial decision not to repair the zig zag at Highcliffe Castle beach.

The defunct plans to place overnight beach huts at the beauty spot as part of a television show was also raised.

Judith Plumley, head of community and leisure, said there had been a "huge" reaction from the community.

It included a strong response from Mudeford Sandbank Beach Hut Community Association, who had shown a willingness to improve the sandbank in the future, she added.

She said the council would use the consultation results as a basis for future proposals and background for any strategy formed by a new authority as a result of Local Government Reorganisation.

Cllr Claire Bath said: "We need to thank the community.

"It has been very useful. We do have to pause now but glean a lot of information from the public."

Cllr Vicki Hallam added: "We have had a rocky road and this has gone a long way to build some bridges with the community and I would like us to keep that forum going and keep the communication open.

"It is sensible for us to see what will happen in the future."

Cllr Colin Bungey said: "Reports get buried and reports get lost. I would like some way of seeing this recorded to show it is the council's policy to adopt the ideas that have come forward.

"Most of us won't be here after reorganisation and who will remember that.

"From two years time they could be totally lost. Maybe I'm being sceptical but I have seen it happen before."

Cllr Claire added: "I think Cllr Bungey has made a valid point.

"Maybe members would be happy to add in a recommendation that this council strongly requires that this document is carried forward to any future authority for future implementation."

Members voted unanimously in favour of the recommendations.