Residents Sick of Surf Reef Squabbles

As a key component of Bournemouth Borough Council's strategy to revitalise Boscombe, the controversial surf reef has thus far largely proved to be divisive.

The construction of Europe's largest artificial surf reef aimed to attract a more bohemian class of visitor to an area synonymous with deprivation. Instead, it has quickly become a symbol of resentment for many residents.

Those who have always been opposed to the reef are now allied with an increasing number angry at its failure to deliver on its promise. In addition, dissenters are annoyed at the significant amount of public money used to fund a project where costs have already doubled to £3 million.

Yet again the reef is making headlines with a very public spat between Councillor David Charon and Liberal Democrat Councillor Roger West dominating the front pages of the Daily Echo.

The Conservative Leader of the Council, Councillor Charon, has attacked Councillor West for his intervention in a deal between council bosses and the firm charged with creating the reef, New Zealand based ASR.

Cllr West and a colleague have challenged a decision made by the cabinet to meet with ASR to discuss a "£55,000 up- front payment, with another £95,000 if they could sort it out", relating to teething problems with the reef.

These were highlighted during the summer by a damning report given by Plymouth University which described the reef as "sub-standard" and "only met four of its 11 objectives."

Ultimately, Cllr West's move was predicated by his dissatisfaction that there was no mention of a safety aspect in the cabinet report relating to construction flaws. The Councillor is also concerned that the initial refinement plan will not address these issues.

Are the Con/Lib differences symbiotic of the schisms that have recently been revealed within the ruling coalition Government?

What is certain is that the residents of Bournemouth, much to their chagrin in a supposed 'age of austerity', have to further subsidise an over-budget project in serious danger of becoming a proverbial white elephant.

Cllr West is right to intervene if genuine concerns about safety remain and if, as he says, he is acting “in the interest of Bournemouth’s economy and tourism" and not merely in the spirit of political opportunism as his accuser has suggested.

Decisive action is called for with all stakeholders expecting positive answers and action from ASR. Public in-fighting is counterproductive with the successful completion and implementation of the reef a priority, not tiresome politicking to an already apathetic public.