The BCP Council consultation on the waterfront hits the streets

People are encouraged to suggest ways to improve equipment and facilities along the 40 mile coastline through Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole with additional investments and projects.

Members of Callum Baker-Osborne’s family were also present to campaign for more security measures to be put in place at Rockley Point, one of 18 “character sites” suggested by the council.

Andrew Emery, Head of Destination Development for the BCP Council, said: “We have been inundated with suggestions. So far we have had around 160 different ideas covering the whole region, some also coming from visitors to the region.

“Nothing is out of place; we’ve had a lot of suggestions already and we’re hoping to get a lot, a lot more.

“We could spend hundreds and hundreds, but it’s about understanding the pressures, priorities and investment opportunities in each area.

“It’s important that we invest in this, but more importantly, invest in a sustainable way and in areas that residents agree with. We don’t want any area to be overlooked.

The council is also organizing another touring event on Wednesday 22 September from 4.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. as it approaches Bournemouth Pier.

Tourism, Leisure and Culture Portfolio Holder Cllr Mohan Iyengar said, “We’ve had some great suggestions, but I’m aware that some of the best ideas will likely not come until later, when summer is over. will be finished, and we are thinking about what happened this year.

“I want to assure people that the absolute gems of ideas that are submitted after the deadline will be considered.

“It doesn’t have to be the most revolutionary or mind-boggling idea. Some of the best suggestions we’ve seen so far are the most simplistic, or in some places no development at all. ”

When the consultation period ends on September 26, the board says it will collect all suggested ideas and review them in October and present a strategy at the end of the year.

At the public event, the president of the Poole Quay Forum praised the council for its community engagement, adding that the wharf should be an area of ​​interest for investments.

He added, “The idea of ​​a consultation like this is a great one. I’m encouraged by the way the council has gone about it, taking to the streets and engaging with residents and visitors to the area to get their perspective.

“We are particularly interested in the Poole Quay area. It is an important part of the region and one of the main tourist attractions.

“Nothing has been done for twenty years except improving the dike. We’d love to see a little more development here, but not ruin what’s already there.

Opposite the pop-up tour was a peaceful protest by the family and friends of Callum Baker-Osborne, who died swimming off Rockley Point on Friday, July 30.

As part of the waterfront strategy, Callum’s twin brother Ryan said he would like to see more security arrangements at the site and better signage on the Poole waterfront.

“There must be more safety measures for families at Rockley Point. If this is a beach, you would expect there to be lifeguards, flags or at least more signs saying you go into the water at your own risk, ”he said. -he adds.

“Every piece of water is dangerous, but this part is the only place we have known and had problems with. We want families to know how dangerous it is.

“I am aware that the council is looking to improve the areas of the waterfront, but I think, following what happened to Callum and after hearing other stories from people who have had similar incidents there, something needs to be done about Rockley Point. ”