Surf reef chief Roger Brown: "We didn't mislead anyone" (From Bournemouth Echo)

Surf reef chief Roger Brown: "We didn't mislead anyone"

8:49am Wednesday 19th May 2010 in

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LEISURE chief Roger Brown has defended the way the council has handled the construction of the surf reef.

And he has denied allegations that councillors and the public have been misled about its capabilities.

He said claims of waves up to 2.2 times the current size and increased surf days were made in the original feasibility study, received by the council in June 2000.

After that, a design report was commissioned, which was the basis on which contracts were signed for the reef in 2005.

The design report was accepted by Cabinet in April 2005 but was different to the original feasibility study. The design report was not shown to all councillors.

In November 2006 the specifications were “slightly refined” and approved by council officers. “They were almost identical ” said Mr Brown. “The ride length on the right side came down by 10 metres but that was all.”

Mr Brown said the final design agreed in November 2006 did not go before any council committees.

He said he remains confident that modifications can be made to ensure the reef meets all the criteria set out.

“This is innovative marine technology. There is a strong, powerful, focused wave but it is too short, and too steep and too inconsistent – we need to resolve that.”

Council leader Stephen MacLoughlin said he believes the Boscombe Spa Village regeneration project has been “a great success” and added: “It has put Bournemouth on the map. Overall it is something the town can be proud of.”

But he said he appreciated that work still needs to be done to ensure the reef meets its specifications.

“It is an innovative project and the council were taking a risk in proceeding with it. ASR acknowledge it is not achieving what it is intended to achieve and my understanding is that they are willing to come up with proposals for the enhancement of the reef.

“We are in the hands of experts – there is work to be done.”