A PROCESS for transferring council assets - such as public halls and sports facilities - into the hands of community groups has been agreed by Borough of Poole.

The Community Asset Transfer Protocol was unanimously supported at the last meeting of the full council.

It formally sets out how council would transfer assets such as community halls, amenities like swimming pools and toilets, or land to be used for sport or redevelopment into community-owned facilities.

While no specific assets are yet identified, according to the report which came before councillors on June 28 the council "wishes to be pro-active in working with local community groups who have an ambition to acquire a council asset in fulfilment of a community based activity. The adoption of such a Protocol is the next step in realising this ambition."

The rationale is that, while budgets are shrinking and services being cut, "the need for a strong and sustainable community sector has never been more necessary," the report continues.

In the past Borough of Poole has transferred control of some libraries and sports facilities into the hands of community groups. And in May Dorset County Council agreed to the transfer of youth centres to the hands of respective community bodies at locations including Verwood, Wareham, Swanage and Somerford.

Cllr Ian Potter, cabinet portfolio holder for planning and regeneration, Borough of Poole, said: “The protocol supports the corporate strategy though working in a joined-up way with communities, businesses, partners and other service users and to use public money to achieve the greatest benefit where it is needed most.

"The Borough are keen to engage with community groups and partners to take responsibility for assets, and enable local people to have a bigger stake in the future of their community and local services. The protocol clarifies the process."