BCP COUNCIL has responded to a petition with 2,000 signatures calling for a buffer zone outside a Bournemouth abortion clinic.

Campaign group Sister Supporter Bournemouth started the petition for a buffer zone to end harassment outside the BPAS clinic in Ophir Road in Bournemouth.

Buffer zones are safe spaces outside abortion clinics, which ensure that those who wish to access their legal right to abortion healthcare can do so without interference or judgement.

Sister Supporter say the Bournemouth abortion clinic (run by BPAS) is one of the most targeted clinics in the country by anti-abortion groups.

In their petition, Sister Supporter are calling on BCP Council to establish a buffer zone around the clinic to prevent further harassment. The petition currently has more than 2,200 signatures.

In a statement Councillor Bobbie Dove, portfolio holder for community safety confirmed the council is working on a solution to these concerns.

She said: “I called a multi-agency meeting in November 2021 shortly after being confirmed as portfolio holder for community safety and have since been working with our anti-social behaviour team to consider the evidence and options available to resolve the community concerns relating to the Bournemouth BPAS Clinic.

“We will shortly be concluding our assessment and a decision on how the council intends to proceed will be made in due course.”

Sister Supporter Bournemouth’s petition calls for the council to use all measures within its power, including but not limited to the establishment of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), to move anti-abortion groups away from the area immediately outside the BPAS abortion clinic on Ophir Road, Charminster (to a distance of at least 150m).

A spokesperson for BCP Council said: “We have received a number of enquiries over the weekend relating to ongoing protest activity at the Bournemouth BPAS Clinic.

“The council has been gathering information and evidence relating to the concerns raised and we are in the process of finalising an options appraisal which will be presented to the interested parties shortly to consider the way forward, one of which is to launch public consultation on a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for the vicinity immediately around the Bournemouth BPAS Clinic.

“Careful consideration of all options will be taken prior to determining the way forward.”