A GRANDFATHER has come up with an alternative logo for the new unitary authority after the previous options drew criticisms from councillors.

Highcliffe resident Len Dodwell, with assistance from his family members, created a logo for the new Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council in around 45 minutes.

As reported in the Daily Echo in November, four designs costing £4,000 were drawn up for the new council with a survey launched decide which logo was used as the authority’s branding.

However, the options were branded as “appalling” and “dreadful”.

Len said: “I think the word is pathetic. Is it really for a civic authority to have something like if you were opening a coffee shop or burger bar?”

“It’s a shame as it could have been something really good.”

Len’s alternative logo deliberately does not include the words Bournemouth, Poole or Christchurch but instead features each town’s coat of arms.

He said after discussing it with family members, they believed the new authority should instead be known as the South-East Dorset Unitary authority.

Len said he felt the new unitary authority should be given an entirely new name to represent the new chapter for the merging councils.

He and his family started off with a blank shield design before adding in each town’s coat of arms and their waves to represent the sea as they are all coastal towns.

He said: “It really is a concept, it’s an idea and it may give some other people some ideas to come up with their own.”

Last month the Daily Echo carried out an online poll asking readers which of the proposed logos they liked the best. Almost 800 people voted with 33 per cent selecting a colourful logo featuring Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council as their preferred option.

Speaking about the four options last month, Poole councillor Philip Eades, said: “They bear no resemblance to the local area and could have been knocked up by a five-year-old.”

In a joint statement, the BCP shadow executive committee said: "A recognisable logo will help the new council be clear with local people who is responsible for providing services and securing the future of their area from April next year.”