BCP Council has responded at length to Kris Gumbrell's complaints that Bournemouth town centre is "dying".

On the claim the council is too focused on hospitality, council leader Cllr Drew Mellor said: “Our high streets and town centres are becoming spaces where residents and visitors go to congregate and socialise, meaning that shopping is just one of many things on offer, alongside cultural, hospitality and other services.  

“For example, Bobby’s is an innovative mixed-use occupier, transforming a formerly retail-dominated building with a new mix of retail, café and pop-up space alongside an extensive gallery and exhibition space that has added huge value to Bournemouth’s retail offering. 

“The appearance of the world class Airship Orchestra artwork in Bournemouth is confirmation of the town’s burgeoning status as an international hub for culture, drawing people to the area from all around. Our significant investment in Festival Coast Live! and Arts by the Sea festival has also brought a real vibrancy to the town during both the summer and autumn months. 

“We continue to work with the Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), local businesses and the local community and have introduced several initiatives, such as the Cleaner, Greener, Safer campaign to encourage people to visit these spaces and spend their money in our shops.”

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He says the town needs to stop seeing itself as purely a tourism area and encourage year-round footfall. 

'Dazzle and delight'

Deputy council leader Cllr Philip Broadhead, who is cabinet member for development, growth and regeneration. said: “Our high streets are bristling with potential and innovative businesses, and we work closely with partners and the local community to ensure they remain vibrant and friendly spaces that people choose to spend their time and money at.

“The Shop Local initiative is just one example of how we’re driving great footfall stats by encouraging residents to explore their local area and support their local economy. I would encourage people to help preserve the heart of the community by searching out the unique businesses our high streets have to offer.” 

The council said: "Bournemouth’s successful Christmas Tree Wonderland promises to dazzle and delight all once again throughout the winter months."

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'Sense of community'

Cllr Beverley Dunlop, cabinet member for tourism, culture and vibrant Places said: “The popularity of our free summer programme that included Festival Coast Live!, highlights the significance in providing free events like these, and we’re looking forward to celebrating the festive season, once again, creating a real sense of community across our three towns." 

In response to the claim that the council should be doing more to help rough sleepers off the streets, the council said around £7.3 million had recently been awarded from the 2022-2025 Rough Sleep Initiative (RSI) to boost BCP Council’s intervention services over a three-year period. 

The RSI aims to prevent rough sleeping and help people move off the streets and out of danger permanently, the council said. The funding awarded from this initiative will be used by the council to provide additional accommodation to those in need, both for emergency or short-term assessment and longer-term homes, it said. 

Whilst the number of those rough sleeping in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole has been declining over the past three years, with a decrease from 72 in 2019 to 29 in 2021, the funding will support strategic and multi-disciplinary planning with a continued focus on prevention, the council said.

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Rough sleepers

Cllr Hazel Allen, its lead member for homelessness, said: “With the current cost of living crisis and added financial pressures, we are increasingly focussing on prevention strategies. This funding is crucial and will allow us to continue this essential work, which offers a lifeline to people who are rough sleeping and those at risk of losing their homes.” 

On the need to tackle antisocial behaviour, a BCP spokesperson said: “We recognise that antisocial behaviour (ASB), can have a negative impact on the quality of life of both residents and visitors. We are committed to working in partnership with residents and agencies.

"This year we’ve raised awareness for reporting ASB and committed additional resources towards recruit new Community Safety Accredited Scheme Officers (CSAS). Alongside police colleagues, they proactively patrol our town centres and target anti-social behaviour. CSAS officers will also work with local charities such as St Mungo’s and will signpost rough sleepers to support services.” 

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Dorset Police

Dorset Police said there were 56 reported occurrences of antisocial behaviour in the town centre since it lau​nched its Operation Relentless in 2021, compared with 97 the year before.

Neighbourhood Inspector Ady Thompson, of Bournemouth police, said: “We are committed to working with our partners, including members of our business community, to identify concerns around anti-social behaviour (ASB) that are impacting on our communities and working together to tackle the issues.

“Dorset Police launched Operation Relentless last year to tackle ASB throughout the county and send a message that it will not be tolerated.

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“Under Operation Relentless, the Force is explaining which agency is responsible for tackling different types of ASB and forming localised operations to deal with specific issues, such as the ASB associated with retail theft, or at popular locations in our towns and communities.

“In Bournemouth town centre, we continue to carry out dedicated Op Fireglow patrols, focussed on tackling ASB linked to the night-time economy and continue to work with representatives of our business community to respond to concerns raised.

“We carried developed briefings to share with licensed premises over the summer and we are starting to plan for dedicated patrols in relation to the festive period.

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“We are committed to identifying patterns and locations of ASB in the town. By understanding the root causes of ASB, the Force can develop multi-agency action plans, including community engagement, to prevent and disrupt ASB early before it can take a grip on communities. 

“Our vision is to create a safe county for everyone. By tackling the concerns of our communities, including local businesses, we can keep everyone safe and put the people of Dorset first.”