Council listening to views on new vision for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to feedback on a new vision and priorities for the council in a public consultation that starts today.

The consultation invites everyone to share their ideas on how to develop a place where nature, coast, communities and towns come together to create a healthy and sustainable environment in which we all can thrive.

These suggestions will be used to inform a final plan that will be presented to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council’s Cabinet in December and to Full Council in January.

Councillor Vikki Slade, Leader of BCP Council, said:

"The Three Towns Alliance has been clear that our residents sit at the heart of what we do, and so it is important to demonstrate this in our new vision for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

"We know we live in a place brimming with potential. From Highcliffe to Hamworthy, Broadstone to Boscombe, this is not one town, or three – but somewhere that celebrates multiple identities, cultures and opportunities at the same time.

"And we also know there are challenges ahead, from the cost-of-living crisis to the climate emergency. We will need to make some tough decisions to manage the pressures on our finances, and this work will help guide us towards delivering what residents see as significant.

"We’ve set out a new vision based on the priorities and objectives that we think will help us realise potential and build stable foundations; one that can guide us through the challenges and shape the way we can improve the lives of those who live, work, study and visit this wonderful place.

"It is crucial that this vision is shared by us all, so it is important that our residents' views feed into the strategy and help us focus our efforts in the areas they feel are most vital."

There are several ways residents can take part:

Engage with the online survey and share views on the draft vision, priorities and objectives, suggest changes and highlight anything they feel has been missed at haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/our-vision

Pin their thoughts to a digital ideas wall and share their story about what it's like for them living in the area.

Visit one of the busy locations where the council will be holding roadshows and meeting with partners. At these events people across the three towns will have an opportunity to talk to council officers, share their stories in person and fill out the survey.

Complete a paper copy of the survey at any BCP Council library.

Residents have until 22 October to complete the survey and submit their ideas, which will inform a refresh of the Council’s Corporate Strategy.

More information – including updates to new roadshow dates - can be found at the survey’s homepage: haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/our-vision