New powers to tackle summer issues in Bournemouth and Poole
The aim is to cut down on problems including overnight camping on the beach
Last updated 24th Jan 2023
Tougher action could be taken against people causing problems in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole this summer.
Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) are being considered.
They can make it easier to issue fines to those camping overnight camping on the beach or lighting fires and BBQs in open spaces.
BCP Council is running a consultation for the next four weeks.
It follows concerns raised by local communities and visitors during the summer months, when a number of negative behaviours by some individuals impacted on the enjoyment of beaches and open spaces and had a detrimental effect on the environment.
PSPOs allow councils to restrict certain activities within a public area to tackle a wide range of anti-social behaviour issues. They are intended to help ensure that everyone can enjoy public spaces, safe from the negative actions of a minority.
A public consultation on whether PSPOs should be introduced, to strengthen BCP Council’s approach to tackling anti-social behaviours (ASB) to protect and enhance its beaches, open spaces, car parks and highways during the peak summer season, is now live.
BCP Council is proposing three separate PSPOs which would cover different geographical areas and different behaviours.
It is proposed that the following behaviours would be prohibited within selected open spaces, parks and heathland;
• A ban on overnight camping and sleeping
• A ban on the lighting of any open fires
• A ban on lighting any barbeques.
It is proposed that the following behaviours would be banned within the specified geographical areas including car parks and highways;
• A ban on overnight sleeping in vehicles
• A ban on playing loud music which has a detrimental impact on others
• A ban on acting in an anti-social manner which has a detrimental impact on others.
The following behaviours would be banned or restricted within the specified coastal and beachfront areas
• A ban on overnight camping and sleeping
• A ban on playing loud music which has a detrimental impact on others
• A ban on acting in an anti-social manner which has a detrimental impact on others.
• A ban on lighting any open fires
• A restriction on lighting barbeques before 18:00.
Councillor Bobbie Dove, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, said:
“A public consultation is the best way to find out how people want concerns addressed.
“While we're keen to make Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole safer places to enjoy and visit, it's also vital our communities have the opportunity to comment on our proposals. We want to know what you think about our suggestions.
“I ask people to read the documentation carefully, complete the consultation and share any other ideas that can help guide us towards the right solution for the community.”
No decision on the proposals, or whether to implement the PSPO, will be made until the consultation has ended and the feedback has been fully considered.
The consultation commenced on 23 January 2023 and will run for 28 days, closing at 11:59pm on 19 February 2023.
People can find out more information, view the suggested geographical areas included and also take part in the consultation by visiting here |newtab).
Alternatively, people can view a copy of the consultation document and complete a paper copy of the survey by visiting libraries across the BCP area.