COUNCILLORS have criticised the ‘pitiful’ logo options for the new Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) council.

Costing £4,000, four designs have been drawn-up with a survey launched to determine which will be used with all of the authority’s branding.

Option 1

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However, the concepts have attracted criticism from councillors who have described the options as “appalling” and “dreadful”.

Drop-in sessions were held earlier this week to allow members of the three existing councils to give their views on the four logos.

Option 2

Bournemouth Echo:

The council says that it risks being “unable to carry out essential business and raise much-needed income” unless it has a defined brand.

Option 3

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Earlier this year a £40,000-a-year officer was recruited on a temporary basis to carry out the work with the head of communications at Bournemouth and Poole authorities saying that the skills were not available to do the work in-house.

Option 4

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This was criticised at the time by Poole councillor Philip Eades who said that the money would be better spent on frontline services.

Following the publication of the four logo options shortlisted for the new unitary authority, Cllr Eades has again hit out at the work, days after Dorset council revealed its new branding, which had been created by council staff.

“These options are pitiful,” he said. “They bear no resemblance to the local area and could have been knocked up by a five-year-old.

“We are told we must have a new logo and ‘brand’ because otherwise residents won’t pay their council tax bill or parking tickets – it is laughable.”

Bournemouth councillor Nick Rose echoed his views saying that it was “a waste of tax-payers’ money”.

He said:“I have never in my 25 years of working in media seen such appalling and pitiful attempts at branding.

“It’s a symptom of senior cabinet members’ and council officers’ desire to have pet projects.”

In a joint statement, the BCP shadow executive committee said: “The Shadow Executive Committee is proud to involve both our own staff and a local design agency in developing a logo for the new council – set to be one of the largest local authorities in the country.

"The BCP area has a vibrant creative sector and we feel that offering the opportunity to the local business community was the right and obvious thing to do.

"Whilst all preceding councils are busy creating the new authority, we recognise that many residents may still not be completely familiar with the change taking place next year.

"A recognisable logo will help the new council be clear with local people who is responsible for providing services and securing the future of their area from April next year.

"A recognisable logo indicates to residents, partners and other stakeholders who is accountable for services and communication with them, and clearly showing that the planned change has taken place – four preceding councils have been replaced by one new one.

“Perhaps more importantly, The new council has a legal duty in many cases to ensure that any communication or interaction with its residents is explicit about the accountable organisation.

"Without a recognisable logo, the new council risks being unable to carry out essential business and raise income – for example by issuing bills or PCNs, so it is vital that the necessary work in undertaken to ensure day-one compliance.

“The four designs are only at concept stage at the moment and will be developed further following feedback from residents, as well as councillors and BCP staff.

"The Shadow Executive looks forward to hearing their views.”