RESIDENTS in Bournemouth and Poole will soon be able to have their say over how they are represented.

A Community Governance Review is underway, which is looking at the potential to create six parish councils across Bournemouth and Poole.

This comes after community groups, resident associations and individuals submitted their suggestions for how they wanted their communities to be represented in October 2024.

The proposals being put forward to residents are for new parish councils for Broadstone, Redhill and Northbourne, Boscombe and Pokesdown, and Southbourne with town councils for Bournemouth and Poole.

The creation of the parish councils could mean residents could have a greater influence, as the new councils would focus solely on their specific areas.

There are four parish councils and a town council in the BCP 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.

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BCP Council Leader, councillor 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.”

The public consultation on the draft recommendations will launch on March 31 and everyone is invited to express their views by June 22.

All responses will be considered carefully before a final recommendation is drawn up for a Full Council meeting on October 14.