After thousands upon thousands of people descended on to Bournemouth Beach on Thursday a major incident has been declared.
Bournemouth Council have said the sheer numbers of people heading to the beach over the last two days are like those “seen on a bank holiday.”
The Council said services are struggling to cope and people have “defied advice to stay away,” and they have “caused widespread” problems.
There has been “excessive” littering, illegal parking, roads are at grid lock along anti-social behaviour, and prohibited overnight camping.
Council cleaning crews were met with “abuse and intimidation” as they desperately tried to empty bins. There were also reports of fighting and excess alcohol use.
Eight tonnes of rubbish was cleared from overflowing bins yesterday, and a further 33 tonnes cleared from the beach this morning!!! Take your rubbish home with you!!! This shit really winds me up!😠 #bournemouthbeach pic.twitter.com/MDhHgxrkvC
— Georgina Ryder (@GeorginaRyder3) June 25, 2020
Bournemouth Council leader Vikki Slade said: “We are absolutely appalled at the scenes witnessed on our beaches, particularly at Bournemouth and Sandbanks, in the last 24-48 hours.
Our entire species needs a talking to. #bournemouthbeach pic.twitter.com/rOBtPI9UDJ
— Femi – My mask protects you. Please protect me. (@Femi_Sorry) June 25, 2020
“The irresponsible behaviour and actions of so many people is just shocking and our services are stretched to the absolute hilt trying to keep everyone safe.
“We have had no choice now but to declare a major incident and initiate an emergency response.”
A multi-agency emergency response has been activated to co-ordinate resources to clear huge crowds as no social distancing is in place, with large groups of 20 to 40 people could be seen.
Conservative MP for Bournemouth East, Chair of the House of Commons Defence Select Committee Tobias Ellwood said on Twitter, “MAJOR INCIDENT declared in BOURNEMOUTH – pls stay away.
“With 1/2 million visitors in Dorset, roads are gridlocked, hindering emergency vehicles & beaches are full – with Dispersal Orders on both piers.
“I’ve asked Police Minister to dispatch additional police if Dorset requests.”
Council Leader Vikki Slade said: “We are absolutely appalled at the scenes witnessed on our beaches, particularly at Bournemouth and Sandbanks, in the last 24-48 hours.
“The irresponsible behaviour and actions of so many people is just shocking and our services are stretched to the absolute hilt trying to keep everyone safe.
“We have had no choice now but to declare a major incident and initiate an emergency response.”
The illegal parking near the beach today was deeply irresponsible and dangerous. Emergency vehicles would struggle to get through. We need tougher enforcement like clamping. Then look at the beach. Zero social distancing. This isn't over yet folks. It is in all our hands. pic.twitter.com/pOfbZDu9m5
— Conor Burns (@ConorBurnsUK) June 24, 2020
Assistant Chief Constable Sam de Reya, of Dorset Police said, “These are unprecedented times and we are urging people to stay away from the area of Bournemouth Beach and other Dorset beaches.
“We continue to work very closely with BCP Council and other partners to ensure the safety of the public.
“We are also deploying additional resources to provide increased patrols in the vicinity to help tackle any issues of anti-social behaviour and other offences being committed.
“The declaration of a major incident allows us to bring agencies together so we can take actions available to us to safeguard the public as much as possible.
“We are also reliant on people taking personal responsibility and strongly advise members of the public to think twice before heading to the area.
He added, “Clearly we are still in a public health crisis and such a significant volume of people heading to one area places a further strain on emergency services resources.
“This influx of visitors to our area places a significant increase in demand on our service and we would ask people to please bear with us.
“We would therefore stress again that we are asking people to please stay away from the area.”
Leave a Comment