Boscombe residents 'don't see a lot of change' from grant

Over the past year, BCP Council has been spending some of a £21.7million government grant to “turbo charge ambitious regeneration plans”. 

But residents are fearing the money has so far shown little reward, including shopper Rosemary Shaw, 71, who said Boscombe is “continuing to decline because of the council”. 

“I can’t say I’ve seen any real difference in recent months,” she told the Echo. “The streets are still dirty, there’s chewing gum all over the floor. It doesn’t look nice. 

Christchurch Road, Boscombe (Image: Daily Echo)

The council has come under fire for its 'regeneration' of Boscombe (Image: Daily Echo)

“I didn’t know money was being put into here and it certainly doesn’t look like any has.” 

Jacket potato trader David ‘Mose’, of Smokey Mose Hot Potatoes, said: “I hear a lot, I read a lot, but I don’t see a lot. 

“I read about [the council’s regeneration plans] all the time, but Boscombe has been left behind by the council. 

“The arcade is a good example of this. Here, they had a planning application turn it into a food court and office space but they’re not doing that anymore. 

“The markets as well... some Wednesdays I’m the only one here. It can be really quiet. They don’t get a lot of support from BCP Council, which is a shame.” 

‘Mose’ added what makes Boscombe special is the community, adding: “I love Boscombe. I have a lot of friendly, loyal customers. 

“But like all seaside towns, they aren't as good as they used to be and are in decline.” 

Meanwhile Southbourne resident Michael Davies accused the council of “leaving behind Boscombe”, adding it “used to be vibrant”. 

He said: “It’s a shame because I don’t think Boscombe will ever recover – or at least it won’t for a long time. 

“There are too many HMOs here which are causing the problems and problems with drugs and homelessness.” 

'Moose', jacket potato trader in the high street (Image: Daily Echo)

Labour leader Patrick Canavan (Image: NQ)

Boscombe West ward councillor Patrick Canavan said residents often ask him “what on earth have they done with that money?” by residents. 

“Residents I talk to feel that for some considerable period of time nobody cares about Boscombe, that it’s been left to decay without any work being done to make it the thriving place it could be,” he added. 

In October, the Towns Fund team said smaller-scale improvements to shopfronts and internal redecorations were underway to improve trading conditions. 

Last month, though, one of the major projects on the list of 10 projects was pulled. BCP Council said it can no longer afford to redevelop the Royal Arcade into a food court and office space. 

BCP Council has been approached for a response.