Decision to fund Christmas lights in just four areas sparks criticism from BCP councillors
Bournemouth Town Council has approves Christmas lights for Charminster, Winton, Moordown, and Kinson
A decision to fund Christmas lights in just four areas has sparked criticism from councillors.
Bournemouth Town Council approved a £60,000 pilot scheme for festive displays in Charminster, Winton, Moordown, and Kinson.
The move led to questions around unfair distribution and last-minute decision making.
Councillor Bernadette Nanovo said: “I welcome Bournemouth Town Council’s proposal to install Christmas lights across parts of Bournemouth.
“It is good to see Reform councillors finally recognising the important role town councils can play in enhancing our local communities.
“That said, it is disappointing that Tuckton has been left out of the plans.
“Town councils exist to provide the local enhancements that larger councils often cannot cover because of increasing pressures from statutory services such as adult social care and children’s services.
“If we are investing in community spirit and supporting local high streets, that investment should be spread fairly across Bournemouth.”
Bournemouth town councillors are set to review the “pilot” project next year and said they would explore the potential for expanding it to additional areas.
The way the scheme was introduced also raised concerns with some councillors.
Councillor Sara Armstrong said: “We really welcome Christmas lights, but let’s be clear: this is a u-turn from Reform, who said in June that the town council wouldn’t fund them.
“Christmas lights should brighten all our communities, not just Reform-held wards.”
Councillor George Farquhar voiced frustration at the lack of notice given to members before the funding decision was announced.
He said: “It was disappointing to see Cllr Anderson announce a funding decision without proper notice to members of the town council.
“The first that non-Reform party members appeared to become aware of this ‘pilot project’ was when Cllr Andersom handed round a piece of paper for it to be added to the council budget for the remainder of the financial year as a capital expense and an ongoing maintenance cost.
“Rightly, so there was many questions asked and many members including myself felt they could not support such an idea without apparent due diligence, governance, good practice and collective decision making.
“I feel this is a gesture politics and does not bode well for serving the residents of our town.
“As town councillors we are there to serve and represent our residents, not to seek headlines on an individual whim.”