A BUFFER zone will be installed around the BPAS abortion clinic in Bournemouth.
Following a decision by BCP Council portfolio holder for community safety, councillor Bobbie Dove, a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) will be in place from this Thursday around the British Pregnancy Advice Service clinic on Ophir Road, Bournemouth.
The PSPO will come into effect in the area directly surrounding the clinic.
It will be in operation Monday to Friday, between the hours of 7am – 7pm, to cover the opening times of the clinic.
READ MORE: Story behind protests at BPAS abortion clinic in Bournemouth
Activities prohibited with the PSPO area include:
- Protesting abortion services
- Handing out leaflets
- Intimidating visitors to the clinic or its staff
- Photographing or recording the clinic’s users
- Holding vigils
Anyone failing to comply could incur a fixed penalty notice of £100 or be liable for conviction at a Magistrates Court.
READ MORE: Council launches public consultation for abortion clinic buffer zone
Councillor Dove said: “Whilst we acknowledge the right of anyone to conduct a peaceful protest, we had to balance this against the distress caused or likely to be caused, and the detrimental impact of behaviours experienced by those accessing medical services or doing their jobs.
“The conclusion I arrived at is a balanced and proportionate decision that will benefit the clinic’s users, its staff and the residents living on roads that surround the clinic. I thank everyone who either took part in the consultation, or wrote to me, for their time and views on this very difficult and sensitive matter.”
READ MORE: Petition for Bournemouth abortion clinic reaches 2,000 signatures
Neighbourhood Inspector Joe Wheable, of Bournemouth Police, said: “Dorset Police recognises the rights of people to conduct peaceful protests, however we also recognise that everyone has the right to access medical services without being subject to distress.
“We have been supporting the local authority to utilise the legal powers available to prevent and reduce behaviours which have had or are likely to have a detrimental impact on those in the locality through the securing of a Public Space Protection Order.
“We will continue to work with our local partners and will take appropriate action in response to any reported breaches of the order.”
READ MORE: BCP Council response to buffer zone at abortion clinic plea
The public consultation on whether a PSPO should be introduced presented three different options for those that agreed a safe zone around the clinic should be implemented. There was also a ‘no change’ option.
There were 2,241 responses to the consultation. 75 per cent of respondents supported the principle of a PSPO being implemented, while 24 per cent did not support it.
The full Portfolio Holder decision is available to view here: democracy.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=563
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