YEARS worth of discussions into the ownership of three leisure sites in Christchurch have still not concluded.
Christchurch Town Council is still waiting on the transfer of assets for Barrack Road Recreation Ground, Waterman’s Skate Park in Somerford and Two Riversmeet Skate Park.
The sites are currently owned by BCP Council, but the town council has been keen to retain control over some of its open spaces and leisure areas.
It was particularly desperate to take ownership of Barrack Road Recreation Ground, which it says has been “allowed to deteriorate” in recent years.
A sports pavilion at the site was demolished by BCP Council at the beginning of the year after it had fallen into a state of disrepair.
Christchurch Town Council takes the position that this was “due to the neglect of BCP Council solely” and says the town is now owed a replacement building.
At a BCP Council cabinet meeting in March, it was agreed that the recreation ground assets, as well as that of the two skate parks, would be transferred to the town council.
However, four months on this has still not been done.
This matter is set to be discussed at a Christchurch Town Council meeting taking place on July 10.
The meeting agenda reads: “The proposed transfer of assets from BCP Council to Christchurch Town Council remains outstanding.
“No further updates have been received from BCP Council following a cabinet approval to dispose of the assets to Christchurch Town Council.
“It is currently unclear whether the transactions are progressing and the likely completion date for the transfer of assets.
“Officers are continuing to seek updates from BCP’s legal team on progress being made.”
The Daily Echo contacted BCP Council and queried why the asset transfers have not yet been completed.
A spokesperson for the local authority said: "The recreation ground amongst other sites is part of an ongoing Community Asset Transfer between BCP Council and Christchurch Town Council.
"We continue to work with Christchurch Town Council to progress this and are looking to resolve these transfers as soon as possible."
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