THE leader of BCP Council has given his “personal assurance” that he will ensure assets such as a recreation ground and play areas are transferred to Christchurch Town Council.
Frustrations have been expressed by the Mayor of Christchurch Avril Coulton over the delay in receiving multiple sites across the town.
Highcliffe and Walkford councillor Nigel Brooks raised that this issue was being monitored closely by residents before asking BCP Council leaders why it had moved from July in the cabinet forward plan to October.
The Conservative councillor said he had written to portfolio holder for environment Cllr Mark Anderson and not received a response.
He asked for assurances that the date set for October would actually be achieved with a policy in place.
Cllr Drew Mellor said: “I had a really positive meeting with the mayor of Christchurch in the past fortnight where we ran through a number of salient points.
“The transfer of assets was something that was raised to me in that meeting.
“I have picked that up personally now and I will make sure I get a response as to why the initial delays but also make sure we get to a point with absolute clarity that we can now go and deliver the transfers as discussed.”
The latest delay is understood to be around a need to hold a consultation phase before the asset transfer process can be progressed.
While Christchurch Town Council owns and manages the quay, Mudeford recreation ground and cricket pitch, it is still waiting for the unitary authority to transfer Barrack Road recreation ground.
The other outstanding assets are the play areas in Enfield Road, Knapp Mill, River Way, Rutland Road, Waterman’s Park and the Arena Wheelpark.
“You do have my personal assurance that I am now formally engaged and trying to move all of that forward and looking forward to doing so," said Cllr Mellor.
"We are really to keen to make sure we build some strong with relationships with the town council in Christchurch and I am committed to doing that.”
There is also discontent in Highcliffe over asset transfers in relation to the village’s recreation ground.
Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council is hoping to take on the Wortley Road site but an agreement with BCP Council is still yet to be agreed.
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