CHRISTCHURCH Town Council has earmarked additional funds in its draft budget as it looks to take over services from BCP Council.
The authority has included the costs of saving the Quomps Splash Park and running a community safety scheme in its draft budget for the 2024/25 financial year.
Funds have also been earmarked for a new council office in the town centre.
Acting town clerk James Atkinson said it is “an important upcoming budget year for the town council”.
He added: “[The draft budget] has been prepared in a sustainable way understanding the outside financial factors affecting our communities but allowing the council to deliver more services locally to meet the needs and aspirations while building community pride in our coastal town, enhancing the quality for those who live, work and visit.”
The draft budget includes £40,000 for securing the services of a Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) officer.
CSAS Officer Jennifer Maidment (Image: Christchurch Town Council)
Christchurch currently has a dedicated CSAS officer to maintain public safety and enforce regulations, paid for by BCP Council and partly subsidised by Christchurch Town Council.
However, BCP Council is set to cease funding and so the town council plans to pay for the position.
Christchurch Town Council has earmarked £55,000 in its draft budget to take over the Quomps Splash Park from BCP Council.
Funds have also been considered for a new site to accommodate the needs of the town council.
The expansion aims to provide a council chamber after being without one since 2019 as well as an efficient working environment for staff.
Cllr Viv Charrett (Image: Christchurch Town Council)
The draft budget includes reserves of £38,000 to cover rent for the new HQ and £80,000 to fit the space out.
The Mayor, councillor Viv Charrett, said: “The town council has spent a lot of time considering this year's budget and how we can help support the people of Christchurch during this period of difficulties for BCP.
“There are some areas where we can intervene to fund the services that people value, specifically with the splash park and our excellent CSAS (Community Support and Accreditation Scheme) Officer who has done a great job in reducing anti-social behaviour in the town.
“We are also planning to rent a small council office in the town centre, so residents know where to come to, to speak to us and have a regular base for our public meetings.”
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