A warning to campers on Bournemouth's beaches

A group of campers setting up at Fisherman’s Walk beach were given their marching orders over the bank holiday weekend as BCP Council and Dorset Police acted as part of a multi-agency summer response plan.

On Saturday night (29 May 2021) around 12 tents were seen to be erected on the beach at Southbourne. BCP Council’s Enforcement Team supported by Dorset Police were on site to deal with the issue which resulted in the group leaving. BCP Council will now consider prosecution action.

People caught camping on the beaches at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole could face prosecution and a fine of up to £1000.

Councillor May Haines, Portfolio holder for Community Safety, BCP Council, said; “If anyone thinks it’s a good idea to pitch up on our beaches for the night please be warned you will be given regular wake up alarm calls throughout the night. As part of our enhanced summer response plan we have a 24 hour beach patrol team in place to keep our beaches safe and clean for everyone, and they will not hesitate to take action.

"I am pleased the team, supported by the police were able to deal with this incident. We want to send a clear message, camping is not allowed on our beaches. If you want to stay overnight in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, we have a wide range of hotels, B&Bs and self-catering providers.”

Inspector Danny Tamblyn, of Bournemouth police, said: “Officers were called to Fisherman’s Walk on a number of occasions over the bank holiday weekend to support colleagues at BCP Council, who had requested for this group to remove their tents from the beach, which were in breach of local regulations.

“Unfortunately they did not comply with the initial requests so officers returned and, despite lengthy negotiations to obtain their details, one woman was arrested for failing to provide their details to an enforcement officer. As a result of this intervention, the correct details were obtained and the woman was de-arrested at the scene.

“Had this group been compliant with officers and council staff from the outset this intervention would not have been needed.

“We will continue to work alongside our colleagues this summer to ensure the public comply with the regulations and restrictions in place to help keep residents and visitors safe.”