AN MP has accused the council of being “short-sighted” as the funding to apply for a seafront award could be scrapped.
The Blue Flag award is a national scheme which celebrates the quality of water at British beaches.
Earlier this year, the BCP coastline scooped 12 awards for “excellent” water quality including at Sandbanks, which achieved a Blue Flag accolade for the 36th time.
However, Tobias Ellwood, MP for Bournemouth East, has now accused the council of being “short-sighted” and warned the decision will “damage our local economy in the long-term and place [a] greater financial strain on the council”.
He added: “The drumbeat of baffling decision-making from the town hall suggests there is no strategy, indeed no vision, as to where our conurbation should head - other than balancing the council's budget at any cost.
“Our individual appeal, for visitors and those living here, is the exceptional family experience we offer that gives the town a sense of purpose, pride and identity.
Read more: Bournemouth beaches scoop handful of Blue Flags award
“Cutting key attractions such as our flagship air show, the Christmas lights and our Blue Flag suggests a gross lack of effort in seeking financial support (e.g. sponsorship) to fund these important economic initiatives.
“What will be cut next? This cannot be what Bournemouth voted for in May's local elections.”
This year, Highcliffe Beach, Friars Cliff and Avon Beach were honoured for the second year in a row.
Alum Chine, Durley Chine, Manor Steps, Fisherman’s Walk and Southbourne beaches also received the flags.
“Our iconic Blue Flag status assures visitors that we meet stringent environmental, safety, educational and accessibility criteria,” Mr Ellwood added.
Read more: BCP Council cancels Bournemouth's Christmas lights
“These guarantees keep standards high thus helping our local economy. If standards drop visitors will go elsewhere.”
Cllr Vikki Slade, leader of BCP Council, said: “Like many local authorities, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council is facing a challenging financial situation.
“We have a £44m gap in our finances next year, which means we are exploring a range of financial options to fund service delivery.
“We are currently in conversations with external organisations keen to support BCP’s blue flag status to understand how we may be able to work together to enable a sector-led application for 2024.”
This includes working with tourism sector partners, businesses and commercial organisations as well as Keep Britain Tidy who run the award.
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