‘The drug, sex and violence capital of the South Coast'

Local resident and Boscombe Forum committee member Gary Sherborne said: "The street life, deprivation and inequalities are as bad as they ever were.

"You can do as much as you like with the Opera House, but the image of Boscombe hasn't changed.

"Wealth is coming in but there are two sides to Boscombe.

"Unscrupulous business people are making a lot of money."

Speaking at a forum meeting, Mr Sherborne added: "We've got to look at ways to change the area which is still the drug, sex and violence capital of the South Coast."

But Bournemouth council leader Stephen MacLoughlin disagreed.

He said: "Boscombe is slowly, but surely, coming up.

"Investment in Boscombe Gardens, the pier and the reef will all bring the area up.

"The next phase is coming away from the seafront up to the precinct.

"If the seafront becomes a honey-pot, one of the issues will be car parking.

"We need to look at adjusting the road system - transport and parking need to be cracked."

Local businessman Peter Castle described the reef as "a big mistake", adding: "It will attract certain ages and a drug problem.

"I came to Bournemouth in 1990 and it looks just the same.

"I see people drinking on the street at 8am. A lot of businesses are folding.

"We need a job centre - some symbol of motivation."

But chairperson Kathie Pearce said: "Boscombe is an absolutely wonderful place. It has got a real community.

"There is still poverty but a lot of positive stuff is going on - we shouldn't just moan about how grotty Boscombe is."

Forum member Pat Clark said: "Boscombe has come a long way and there is huge potential.

"There are two sections - an area of severe deprivation and, at the other end of the scale, a lot of wealth.

"There are a lot of young mums.

"I'm very concerned because those children are very vulnerable."

Cllr Phil Stanley-Watts said: "There is still so much that needs to be done north of Christchurch Road."