BCP beach camper fines unknown for past weekend

Frustration has been growing among some members of the community over the number of people seen camping along Bournemouth and Poole's shoreline in the past few weeks as temperatures soar.

BCP Council say no overnight sleeping or camping is allowed on the beach, seafront, cliffs or car parks.

The authority has previously warned people should be prepared, saying a 24-hour beach patrol will be repeatedly visiting to gather evidence for prosecution and those flouting the rules could face a £1000 fine.

Campers spotted at beaches in Bournemouth and Poole

However, numerous more instances have been reported this week.

The Daily Echo has approached BCP Council on more than one occasion for the number of beach fines given in recent weeks. No data has been provided.

One resident asked “how is this allowed?” after photographing a tent pitched up in front of beach huts and lodges between Boscombe and Southbourne – expressing anger over how expensive beach lodge facilities are, only for campers to pitch for free.

Keith Halifax said: “I walk my dog there most mornings. Some of the sights are disgusting – rubbish and barbecues all left on the sand when there’s an adequate amount of bins all up the beachfront.

“They are popping up everywhere.”

One person replied: “A free to camp section on the beach with bins provided by the council is something that should be in place.”

Campers on beach between Boscombe and Southbourne

Another said: “I agree with both perspectives, we should be allowed to camp in nature and the majority are respectful but the minority spoil it – we need to keep encouraging responsibility and massive shaming for littering.”

While unable to provide any statistics, BCP Council did provide the Echo with a statement. Cllr Bobbie Dove, portfolio holder community safety and regulatory services, said: “It was great to see so many visitors come to enjoy our beautiful beaches over the weekend and make the most of the warm weather.

“Overnight beach camping however is not permitted and our security team, which is on hand to address anti-social behaviour, camp fires and camping, was out patrolling overnight along the 15 miles of seafront.

“They will proactively tackle any issues they come across and anyone caught camping risks prosecution and a £1,000 fine. If members of the public need to report an issue they can do so on our website at ‘Report a problem’ (bcpcouncil.gov.uk).

“For anyone visiting Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole wishing to stay overnight, we have an outstanding selection of local hotels or B&Bs and there are over 100 campsites across Dorset.”