Our Christmas has been ruined already thanks to ‘short-sighted’ council – and now we’re going to lose money

RESIDENTS say their Christmas has been ruined already thanks to a "short-sighted" council.

Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council has cancelled its budget for festive lights and trees from this winter onwards.

It means the shopping thoroughfares in suburbs across the three towns won't have lights or decorations strung up as is tradition.

The council say the Scrooge-like move will save them £51,000.

Tobias Ellwood, the Conservative MP for Bournemouth East, said it was "short-sighted and damaging" and called the council's decision making "bizarre".

He said: "It is an illustration of the bizarre financial decision making in BCP Council.

"This approach is extremely short-sighted and will damage our local economy in the long term - subsequently placing greater financial strain on the council."

The announcement was made as the Portal art installation, part of the annual Arts By The Sea Festival which runs from September 29-October 1, was taken down.

Local resident Anne Jarvis posted on social media: "But ££££££s thousands spent on useless sculptures."

Daniel Rose said: "Yet they spent (thousands) on that useless Portal on the beach. BCOP Council are a joke."

The council currently has a £44million gap in its finances and needs to make cuts to balance the budget.

They are cutting £44,100 for Christmas lighting and trees in Bournemouth town centre as well as many other areas such as Kinson, Winton and Charminster.

They have also cut £7,500 for lighting and trees in Christchurch town centre, including the main tree outside the mayor's parlour.

Cllr Andy Martin, portfolio holder for customer, communications and culture, said: "Like many local authorities, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council is facing a challenging financial situation.

"We have a £44m gap in our finances next year, which means we must make some difficult decisions to protect our financial future. We also face challenges to balance our budget in this current financial year.

"Unfortunately the council is no longer able to fund its local Christmas lighting in some areas of Bournemouth and Christchurch in the same way as it has done before.

"We appreciate that this will be disappointing news, but the council made a commitment earlier this year to be transparent and proactive regarding its finances.

"The change in approach this year will save the council over £50,000, at a time when we're needing to make hard choices to balance mounting pressure on our children's and adult social care services.

"We do not underestimate the sense of celebration and joy Christmas brings to our communities, but we must balance this with our need to take a responsible approach to our financial commitments.

"We've already started conversations with Bournemouth Town Centre BID, the local Chambers of Trade and some Town and Parish Councils around this decision, and where possible we'll also be working with the business community and representatives from local groups to look at how we can enable and empower them to take forward some of their great ideas and suggestions that this change of approach has prompted.

"Despite the financial pressures, BCP Council, working with others, is pleased to once again deliver two large-scale, family-friendly Christmas events in Bournemouth and Poole this year, whilst also making a financial contribution to Christchurch Town Council to support the delivery of their Christmas celebrations. 

"Our Christmas Tree Wonderland event gets underway on Friday 17 November and runs right through to the new year.

"Poole Christmas Maritime Light Trail starts on Saturday 25 November and is once again set to impress visitors for over five festive weeks.

"Both well-loved, free events will provide local families and visitors a budget-friendly and memorable experience."