FURIOUS MP Conor Burns has hit out at “this blight on our community” after travellers were linked to a spate of disorder in Bournemouth town centre.

He vented his anger after residents and visitors spoke of their fear as large groups of people stampeded through the town centre.

“These people think the normal rules of civilised society do not apply to them” he said. “It is utterly unacceptable in a town like ours in the middle of August with an economy that depends on tourism.”

Mr Burns, the MP for Bournemouth West, said those involved had turned the town into “a no go area for local residents and visitors” and added: “This issue has been a running sore throughout the entire time that I have been a Member of Parliament and before.”

Mr Burns said he will continue to fight for tougher enforcement powers when parliament returns in October.

“There are inadequate enforcement powers to swiftly move on these illegally-set up camps in settled communities, causing profound disturbance to decent people who make their full contribution to society and pay their taxes” he said.

“I have consistently urged government to review legislation to give police greater powers to deal with this blight on our community.”

On Monday night several pubs and bars were forced to close early after reports of fights and claims that crowds of people threw things around and pulled themselves pints.

Among the pubs affected were The Brasshouse in Westover Road, the Moon in the Square, The Mary Shelley in Hinton Road, The George Tapps and O’Neill’s in Old Christchurch Road and Buffalo in Holdenhurst Road.

Travellers had set up an illegal encampment in the Glen Fern Road car park and the Oasis play area, directly opposite the car park, closed after an incident described by staff as “an absolute nightmare.”

The following day large groups of people were running around the town, in and out of shops, and aiming large super-soaker water pistols at members of the public and shouting at them. They were also allegedly sitting and standing on parked cars.

A Poole businessman told how his wife and children, aged nine and 11, were enjoying a day out in Bournemouth when they encountered the groups. He has since written to his local MP.

His letter says: “My wife and children were confronted by groups of travellers running, screaming, all with super soaker water pistols, wetting everyone and everything in their path. They ran in and out of shops in what can only be described as devastation.

“Despite a heavy police presence nothing was done to stop this public disorder. I am disgusted that we pay so much council tax for my family to feel threatened and scared in our local town.

“I am even more angry that despite the heavy police presence nothing was done. If this had been a group of African refugees I am sure the end would have been very different.”

Yesterday groups of travellers had set up camp in Beach Road car park in Poole and had also blocked the entrance to West Cliff green in Bournemouth.