Published on Wednesday 26 March 2025
Residents of Bournemouth and Poole will soon be invited to have their say on the proposals following the first stage of the Community Governance Review process where community groups, resident associations and individuals submitted their suggestions for how they wanted their communities to be represented.
The proposals being put forward to residents are for new parish councils for Broadstone, Redhill and Northbourne, Boscombe and Pokesdown, and Southbourne, with the remainder of the former Poole Council area having a town council, and the remainder of the former Bournemouth Council area also having a town council.
BCP Council Leader, Cllr Millie Earl, said: "Bournemouth and Poole are the only places in Dorset without town and parish councils and residents across the towns have never been asked if they would like them.
“It’s time for residents’ voices to be heard on this issue and whether the current structure reflects the needs of our communities or not.
“You know your area best, and your input into this consultation will help strengthen and shape local governance to truly reflect your communities’ unique identities and interests.
“Parish councils allow local people to focus on what matters most to them.”
There are four parish councils and a town council in our conurbation already that focus on local priorities, projects, and activities such as improving parks and greenspaces, managing car parks and community centres, providing street furniture, Christmas decorations and community events and entertainment.
The public consultation on the draft recommendations will launch on 31 March 2025 and everyone is invited to express their views by 22 June 2025.
All responses will be considered carefully, before a final recommendation is drawn up for a Full Council meeting on 14th October 2025.