Anyone found sleeping overnight on Bournemouth beach risks prosecution, a £1,000 fine and an “uncomfortable night’s sleep” at the hands of council wardens, the local authority has warned.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has employed an additional 75 staff to help manage 15 miles (24km) of beach, which last summer were flooded with visitors – creating congested roads and careless parking.
A major incident was declared in June 2020 as thousands sought relief from the hot weather at a time when the pandemic hindered foreign travel.
The new staff will patrol 24 hours a day to enforce the overnight camping ban on the Dorset beach.
Extended opening times of public toilets at primary sites will remain in place, the council has confirmed, and additional cleansing operations will be in place.
But extra police will be on hand for key busy dates.
A council spokesman said the beaches were “not a place for overnight camping”.
“Anyone thinking of camping on the beach can expect an uncomfortable night’s sleep as our beach patrol team will repeatedly visit them to gather evidence before taking prosecution action,” he said.
“Extra security patrols, COVID-19 marshals and additional CSAS officers will be deployed on the ground in hot spot areas to provide a uniformed presence and deal with anti-social behaviour and COVID-19 regulations.
“We will be clear though we welcome responsible visitors to our resort; people who will treat things with care, behave reasonably and pick up after themselves.”
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