A campaign group is set to further scrutinise BCP council over a lack of public consultation in relation to the future of Southbourne promenade.
‘Save SoBo Beach’ was a campaign led by Dan Astin-Gregory and Ben Clark attempting to keep the SoBo Beach Café and bar operational after the lease was due to run out on the 31st October.
While they are pleased with the council’s decision to extend the lease of SoBo Beach by 11 months they think the council should have communicated with the general public more.
Dan Astin-Gregory said: “As a group now we’re going to push forward for increased scrutiny on the council’s public consultation process because we believe it’s a fundamental part of the development of this coastline.”
Dan Astin-Gregory is also a co-host of the men’s sea-dip group and has used the venue for his sessions every Friday for the last three years.
He added: “Of course we want to stay here for longer, but the initial outcome is very positive.”
The petition reached over 10,000 signatures, with 30% of Southbourne’s population signing to keep SoBo beach operational.
Artist and leader of the Wednesday morning sketchbook club, Jenny Tarr, is also pleased that she can continue using the space to host her classes.
She said: “From my point of view SoBo beach has been fantastic, really the heart of the community and the fact they have another 11 months to do just that is fantastic.”
She is now concerned about what will happen after the new fixed lease runs out, as she claims to have not received any information about the current preferred bidder.
She said: “We don’t have all of the information and it would be remiss of me to make a plan when we don’t know everything.”
She added that she would be keen to work with the new operators in order to keep her sessions in the seaside location.
Land and buildings for auction at Upton Country Park