A buffer zone will be introduced around the BPAS abortion clinic in Bournemouth, tomorrow (Thursday, October 13).

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.

Why is it being introduced?

Ongoing concerns have been reported to the BCP Anti Social Behaviour (ASB) Team by the clinic and its clients about concerns relating to the presence and activities of protesters in the immediate area of the clinic, reporting alarm and distress caused by this activity.

What evidence was there to support it?

This is the evidence listed in the council decision report of the activities of protestors.

  • Standing outside the door or at the steps, and across the road, sometimes making it difficult to access the Clinic without interacting with the protestors
  • Handing out leaflets, asking what a visitor was there for
  • Praying, sometimes whilst kneeling
  • Singing
  • Holding rosaries
  • Approaching and offering leaflets to people in their cars
  • Sprinkling “holy water” on the pavement outside the Clinic

What area will be protected and for how long?

The order will be in place for three years. The PSPO will give authorised BCP officers and Dorset Police the ability to address prohibited activities from Monday – Friday between 7am and 7pm in the highlighted map area.

Bournemouth Echo:

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How will the buffer zone work?

The PSPO will prevent the following activities:

  • Protesting, namely engaging in an act of approval/disapproval or attempted act of approval/disapproval, with respect to issues related to abortion services, by any means. This includes graphic, verbal or written means, prayer or counselling.
  • Interfering, or attempting to interfere, whether verbally or physically, with a service user or member of staff of the BPAS clinic.
  • Intimidating or harassing, or attempting to intimidate or harass, a service user or a member of staff, of the BPAS clinic.
  • Recording or photographing a service user or member of staff of the BPAS Clinic.
  • Displaying text or images relating directly or indirectly to the termination of pregnancy and or playing or using amplified music, voice or audio recordings.
  • Holding vigils’ where members audibly pray, recite scripture, genuflect, sprinkle holy water on the ground or cross themselves if they perceive a service-users is passing by.
  • Remaining in the Safe Zone, when asked to leave by a Police Officer or police community support officer or any other person designated by BCP Council or returning to the Safe Zone before 7pm on the day you have been asked to leave.

How will this be enforced?

Anyone who has breached this order within the safe zone has to give their name and address to a police officer, PSCO or council official.

They are also required to leave the area if told by any of the above officials.

See the signed PSPO for Ophir Road for full details here.

Definition of a PSPO

Public spaces protection orders (PSPOs) were brought in under section 59 to 65 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (legislation.gov.uk).

They specify an area where activities are taking place that are or are likely to be detrimental to the local community's quality of life and impose conditions or restrictions on people using that area.

They are designed to ensure the law-abiding majority can use and enjoy public spaces, safe from antisocial behaviour.

For further information, or to report activity in the PSPO safe zone, please contact asbteam@bcpcouncil.gov.uk or call the ASB Team on 01202 128883.