THE MERGING for the Dorset Council has plunged the approved Ferndown Town Centre Regeneration Strategy into jeopardy.

The strategy was approved in 2017 by the East Dorset, Ferndown Town and Dorset County councils.

However, only one of the seven outlined projects have been implemented.

At the full Dorset Council meeting, Cllr Mike Parkes said: “The work on the Barrington Centre is shortly about to commence, however at the time it was recognised by the representatives from each of the councils that this was one of the lower priorities but was the most likely to be delivered.

“Notwithstanding this, all were expectant and assured that the plan would move across the new Dorset Council.

“The town struggles to retain existing businesses and is unlikely to attract new business without urgent investment that is needed to revitalise a dated town centre that has had little or no attention since the early 1980s.

“Can I please have an assurance that there is still a commitment to implement the Ferndown Town Centre Strategy and how the priorities contained within it will be overseen by Dorset Council, with an indication of what funds will be made available and the timescales for implementation of the various stages?”

In response, Cllr Gary Suttle, portfolio holder for economic growth and skills, said the regeneration of Ferndown Town Centre was addressed in the strategy.

“The importance of vibrant and sustainable towns was highlighted recently as the council consulted on its draft economic growth strategy.

“There are many towns and high streets across Dorset facing challenges and needing investment to improve infrastructure, viability and productivity.

“Following the creation of Dorset Council, the various directorates impacted by the strategy and responsible for the provision of services to the Ferndown area are being reviewed and restructured to make them fit for purpose.

“The outcome of the reviews and implementation of blueprints for change will have implications for how services are delivered, and the buildings used for these purposes.

“Combined with the review of council assets and properties this requires that the Ferndown Town Centre Strategy be reviewed within the wider context of service provision, economic growth and council resources.”