Full Council on Tuesday night.

A very busy Council agenda saw the presentation of three petitions one about 'ping pong' in Druitt Hall another about the same subject but directed to the pending closure in March of the facility due to it's increasing liability to the Borough as a whole. Most interesting was the huge petition for a £1 for 2 hours car parking scheme. This will be added to the current consultation process and will come before the Resourses Committee in the New Year. As it stands it could argued that this scheme has the potential of costing the ratepayer a considerable amount should it not work in the way described, but it will be for the committee to decide based on the merits presented and the financial implications. What is encouraging is that the Christchurch Chamber of Commerce is thinking very positively about the Town Centre and how we can make it a better experience. This is all power to their elbow and has certainly influenced me in how we as a Council can work further with the Chamber to benefit Christchurch.Also included in the agenda was the Councillors who represent CBC on outside bodies making statements about their activities over the last month/ six weeks including the portfolio holder for Communities involvement on the Police and Crime Commissioners panel for Dorset. Perhaps the most sobering presentation came from our head of finance officer explaining the complexities of future central government finance support for local authorities and the pressures and risks it represents. More cuts are on the way! Whatever political persuation one might be what is clear is that the massive national deficit is continuing to dominate fiscal policy and that this period of austerity is going to last longer than expected. In short a very interesting meeting culminating in me as Leader and the Mayor as first citizen wishing all members Officers and staff a very merry Christmas and a successful New Year.