A public meeting organised by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council gave more than 500 concerned residents the chance to ask key organisations questions about the health of Christchurch Harbour.
At the ‘Action for Christchurch Harbour and Waterways’ meeting, the council restated its plans to produce a Christchurch Harbour protection policy.
Cabinet members also said the council will actively support community efforts to make Christchurch Harbour a designated bathing area for activities beyond swimming, which would require the Environment Agency to monitor water quality between May and September each year.
Christchurch Harbour is one of the region's most important natural environments, supporting wildlife, recreation, tourism and local livelihoods.
But concerns about water quality, pollution and threats to biodiversity have prompted calls for action from residents, community groups and councillors.
The council remains committed to coordinating with stakeholders and engaging directly with the public, as shown by Tuesday's meeting at the Regent Centre, which brought together representatives from key organisations including Wessex Water, Environment Agency, Natural England and National Farmers' Union.
Proceedings were opened by Cllr Mike Cox, Deputy Leader of BCP Council and a ward councillor for Christchurch Town, and chaired by Cllr Vanessa Ricketts, ward councillor for Commons.
That was followed by presentations from the panel, consisting of:
Martin Stewart, Christchurch Harbour and Marine Society (CH&MS)
Richard Stride, Mudeford and District Fishermen's Association
Cllr Andy Hadley, BCP Council’s Portfolio Holder for the environment
Jim Flory, Environment Agency
Matt Wheeldon, Wessex Water
James Cossins, Tarrant Rawston Farm
Zoe Randle, Dorset River Catchment Partnerships
Nick Squirrell, Natural England
Residents were then encouraged to put their questions to the panel during an open Q&A session.
Aidan Dunn, Chief Executive of BCP Council, was in attendance.
He said:
We appreciate the public's strength of feeling regarding Christchurch Harbour, and we want the same thing: a clean, safe harbour that everyone can enjoy.
"I'd like to thank everyone who attended, showed respect to our panellists and asked valuable questions on a very informative evening.
"I'm sorry that some residents were unable to take part because the venue reached its health and safety maximum capacity before the event started.
"Whilst the council has limited power itself over water quality, this event has shown that we can bring people and organisations together and convey the importance our residents place on the quality of their local environment.
“We will continue to show leadership and engage with stakeholders and the public on this vital issue.
Image: The panel (L-R) is Martin Stewart, Richard Stride, Jim Flory, Matt Wheeldon, Cllr Andy Hadley and Cllr Vanessa Ricketts.
