Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole residents are in for a treat! Starting in 2026, they'll enjoy free monthly swimming sessions as part of a resident's card scheme. But that's not all: the BCP Council is also offering discounts across the three towns, as well as parking deals. And that's not the only good news. Residents will have a bigger say in local priorities through the establishment of new town councils. In her New Year's message, Liberal Democrat council leader Millie Earl highlighted a year of significant progress. She noted over £750 million in new investments, thriving businesses, and plans for play areas and green spaces that will boost the local economy and community well-being. The council is also investing £4.4 million in over 120 play spaces, ensuring they remain a central part of the community for generations to come. Additionally, residents will benefit from a unified waste collection service, including long-awaited food waste collections in Poole. The council is also addressing road issues by filling over 2,500 potholes throughout 2026. And that's not all: the council is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and achieving net zero targets. They're introducing a pilot scheme to make charging electric vehicles easier for those without driveways and installing hundreds of new public charge points.
