Surf reef plans go before public

Boscombe could become an attraction for surfers

Residents of a town where Europe's first artificial surf reef is to be built are being invited to give their views on the seafront development.

Councillors gave the go-ahead last week for the £800,000 reef at Boscombe in Bournemouth, Dorset, but now want to hear views on the rest of the scheme.

This includes plans for a piazza, restaurants, and refurbished pier.

The first of eight events where the public can air their views are being held on Thursday and Friday.

If approved, the seafront scheme would see the removal of amusements and the land-train garage to make way for the new attractions.

Eighty-two unused beach bungalows would be converted into 42 "super chalets" for hire and lease.

A display of local heritage, surfing tuition, shops, public art and sculptures and improved toilet facilities would also go ahead.

The entrance building to Boscombe Pier - which was given listed status by the government in December 2004 causing plans for the scheme to be redrawn - would also be restored.

The surf reef's approval last week ended years of speculation over whether it would go ahead, during which time world experts carried out feasibility studies and local residents were consulted.