IT’S a long-running issue that many local residents hope could solve the congestion problems around Christchurch.

And in an important document set to go out to consultation this week, Christchurch council has pledged to pursue the issue of a bypass for the town.

A draft version of the core strategy for both East Dorset and Christchurch councils will go out to consultation after a meeting of both authorities tonight at The Village Hotel in Bournemouth.

The strategy contains details about housing targets and potential sites as well as opportunities to develop employment land and strategies to improve town centres over the next 17 years.

Leader of Christchurch Borough Council, Cllr Alan Griffiths said: “We will continue to pursue as a priority the solution of a bypass for Christchurch.

“We do see this as the only long-term solution to the severe congestion problem in the borough.”

The issue is addressed as part of a host of options to improve congestion hotspots throughout both boroughs.

In East Dorset ideas for the district’s future include increasing the amount of public green space, building an upper school in Verwood, as well as creating a new community hub in the centre of Wimborne.

This would combine key services including the district council, a library, health centre and community hall.

There are also plans to create a Wimborne/Colehill sports village, which would be home to the town’s football and rugby teams with pitches and a clubhouse for both as well as allotments and a country park.

In Christchurch, the issue of housing remains high on the priority list, with plans to build up to 1,250 homes on a site at Roeshot.

The council has put forward various suggestions for the site, with schemes also outlining how to improve and maintain Christchurch and Highcliffe centres.

The document also refers to the flood risk affecting Christchurch and plans to develop land at the airport for employment purposes.

Cllr Spencer Flower, leader of East Dorset council, said: “The choices may not be easy but we must rise to the challenge in order to secure a sustainable future for our residents and respective councils.”

The two meetings will take place at 5pm tonight.