Drunk people having a 'detrimental effect' at Boscombe bus station

Shopkeepers and residents say people who are ‘drinking and doing drugs’ are being “violent” in parts of Boscombe, at the bus station in Ashley Road and along Christchurch Road. 

Police say they are aware of an increase in anti-social behaviour in the area, and warn this sort of behaviour has a “detrimental effect on the quality of life of the local community”. 

Estrena, a Spanish shop worker nearby, said: “I see every day from about five or six in the evening people on drugs and people drinking.

Drunk people are causing issues in Boscombe (Image: Daily Echo)

“One time there was somebody who was on the floor and an ambulance had to come to help him.”  

Junyaid, a shopworker in Christchurch Road, said: “It causes problems here. Last week somebody who was drunk came in asking if we had a Rizla and I told him ‘my friend, I don’t’ and he started getting angry and confrontational. 

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“This happens most of the time around the evening and night time.” 

Another resident, Malik, added: “It happens too often here lately. I see people being violent, shouting in the streets and approaching people walking by. 

“I think it puts people off Boscombe.” 

Christchurch Road, in Boscombe (Image: Daily Echo)

A Dorset Police spokesperson said: “Boscombe Neighbourhood Patrol Team are aware of an increase in anti-social behaviour and drinking at Boscombe Bus Station.  

“This afternoon (December 21), officers located four males in this area who were behaving in a drunk and disorderly manner in full view of the public. One male is now helping with our enquiries.” 

“This behaviour has a detrimental effect on the quality of life of the local community.” 

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Cllr Jane Kelly, ward councillor for Boscombe West and BCP Council’s lead member for communities, said: “It has been ongoing for a long time with different groups or individuals. The police are also on it and the council are trying to get people to avoid doing it. 

“I’m sorry for the people who this is affecting and we need to work hard to help the young people involved. 

“They aren’t always homeless people doing it. I’m not always blind to it and it’s not fair for the residents.” 

Cllr Kelly added St Mungos is there to help as is the council’s warm welcome spaces, the nearest being Boscombe Library.