Tom Hayes says BCP Council should rethink the procurement process for SOBO Beach before councillors vote this Tuesday on a new lease for the Southbourne site. A Bournemouth MP says the SOBO Beach lease process could leave the Southbourne site empty. Tom Hayes, the MP for Bournemouth East, criticised BCP Council after SOBO Beach confirmed it is not the preferred bidder for a new lease for 20 years at the Southbourne Promenade venue, where the business currently operates. The current contract for the site ends on 31 October under its existing agreement, and Mr Hayes said the council had delay
A Bournemouth MP says the SOBO Beach lease process could leave the Southbourne site empty.
Tom Hayes, the MP for Bournemouth East, criticised BCP Council after SOBO Beach confirmed it is not the preferred bidder for a new lease for 20 years at the Southbourne Promenade venue, where the business currently operates.
The current contract for the site ends on 31 October under its existing agreement, and Mr Hayes said the council had delayed the procurement process before reaching what he called a "bad decision" for the seafront venue.
He said he was "standing up for my constituents" and warned that delays could mean the SOBO Beach site is left without an operator from November for up to a year.
Councillors are due to vote this Tuesday on granting the lease to a new operator for the venue on Southbourne Promenade, and Mr Hayes said he hoped the council would "think twice".
