I was horrified to learn of the council’s decision to close the Hengistbury Head Centre on May 1.

Having been involved with the centre for 20 years, both as a Bournemouth teacher who used the facility for environmental and water sports activities, and as a RYA instructor, I feel this is a really short-sighted move and one which will be regretted in the future.

It seems extraordinary that such a fantastic resource is to be closed. Here is part of the National Curriculum on our doorstep – all aspects of “outdoor and adventurous activities” can be covered here.

The centre has always been aware of the need to generate money so applied for and received a National Lottery grant of £250,000 to build a low ropes course.

Unfortunately this lottery grant was shifted elsewhere.

Consequently the low ropes course is not in place, where it would bring in much-needed revenue.

Despite meetings, petitions, press involvement and a business plan, it was decided to split the environmental studies aspect of the centre’s work from the water sports side and privatise the water sports. Twenty two tender document packs were sent out to the interested parties – one to the HHCA itself. The closing date was February 20, however there were no completed tenders – hardly surprising, given the present financial climate and the way in which it was written.

There was meant to have been a public consultation before any decision was reached – however this has not happened.

It appears that certain officers of the council feel that they don’t need to consult members of the public.

Please think carefully about what is going to happen and its repercussions – it isn’t too late.

Kate Adams, Nicholas Close, Walkford