ANGRY residents say BCP Council's failure to cut a patch of grass has turned a 'core tourism area into a core crime area'.

BCP Council has reportedly refused to cut the grass near Spencer Road, Bournemouth, despite requests by nearby residents who argue that the lack of cutting has led to an increase of 'undesirables'. 

Since the grass was cut last summer, residents say an increase in homeless people, drug users and graffiti has been noted in the area.

Tim Evennett, 54, said: "We think mowing and cutting the grass back would make it safer for families and children who want to use it and also dog walkers. At the moment it's taken over by undesirable people who sit on the steps and do drugs and it drives people away.

"They try and call it 're-wilding' but it's just long grass and weeds, there's no effort to put nice flowers down."

BCP has committed to letting the grass grow in certain areas to help nature 'thrive' following the council's declaration of a climate and ecological emergency in 2019. 

Tim and his neighbours understand the environmental argument but believe it should be done in a more controlled manner and called for a return of a 'Victorian' mentality. 

Tim said: "This grass needs to be maintained, they cited a lack of budget but this has been going on for years. The Victorians wouldn't have let the grass look like this. It used to be a core tourism area, but now it's a core crime area. 

Mike Barling, 77, added: "We've been ignored over the years and if you look at what they spent in Churchill Gardens, compare it to what they've done here, they've spent nothing here."

In correspondence seen by the Echo, BCP Council said that the green is scheduled for regular maintenance with maintenance staff able to take specific requests. 

Green Space and Conservation Strategic Lead, Martin Whitchurch, labelled objections to the long grass as 'subjective' and stated verges, edges, and walkways continue to be cut. 

The Echo has contacted BCP Council for comment.