Survey of Bournemouth shoppers reveals mixed feelings about town centre

8:36am Tuesday 5th February 2013 in News

Our survey says... Christmas market is "pants" but shops get thumbs up Our survey says... Christmas market is "pants" but shops get thumbs up

BOURNEMOUTH’S pricey parking, Big Issue sellers, dirty streets and Christmas market have sparked criticism from town centre shoppers.

But the resort’s festive atmosphere, temporary ice rink, eateries and department stores won praise from those surveyed by town centre rangers in the run-up to December 25.

The Town Centre BID survey asked 243 adults and 78 children to rank their satisfaction on a scale of one to five. The improved Christmas decorations scored highly with more than half of those surveyed describing them as good or excellent.

Customer service was rated good or excellent by 85 per cent of those quizzed on Saturday, December 15, Thursday, December 20 and Friday, December 21. Eighty per cent found it easy to get around the town centre and 60 per cent gave the shopping choice their seal of approval.

But the town’s cleanliness came under fire with 12 per cent branding the resort dirty and discarded chewing gum was a bone of contention. While more than half of those surveyed rated the Christmas market as good or excellent, 28 per cent branded it poor or very poor.

The bar proved popular with younger visitors but the market stalls attracted criticism, particularly from the over-70s.

More than half of those surveyed thought Bournemouth compared favourably with other shopping centres and the outdoor ice rink in the Lower Gardens, which drew nearly 8,000 skaters in six weeks, was rated as good or excellent by 69 per cent of those questioned.

Almost three quarters of those surveyed lived locally with 15 per cent on day trips and 11 per cent on a holiday or short break. Ninety-six per cent said they would return and 95 per cent said they would recommend Bournemouth as a destination.

Commenting on the survey’s findings, the president of Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce and chairman of the Town Centre Management Board Nigel Hedges said: “Generally, the responses were positive. People were very honest; they enjoyed the ambience and the Christmas decorations.

“We don’t know all the answers and are already using these vital findings to help us plan for next Christmas.

“Car parking is not expensive; prices have been held for three years, with £1 being charged for two hours.

“We have more Big Issue pitches in Bournemouth than most other towns and have introduced tabards and a code of conduct for vendors.

“People don’t like to be asked for money in the street but if you have an empathy with the plight of the homeless they serve a good cause.

“There were virtually no charity chuggers in Bournemouth last Christmas.

“Chugging is virtually unregulated but we have given charities guidance so they can regulate themselves.

“Chewing gum is a problem in towns and cities across the country.

“The last clean-up in Bournemouth cost £26,000 and another is underway. You can’t catch people dropping gum and the only answer is for the government to encourage manufacturers to make gum biodegradable.

“We are constantly working to improve the Christmas market.”

Town centre BID manager Gregg Dunnett was also upbeat about the survey’s findings.

He said: “Bournemouth is a brilliant place but it could be even better and the survey helps confirm issues that need to be looked at.

“There are great partnerships in place which are already working hard behind the scenes to address these.

“The BID’s Christmas campaign was the first step towards making Bournemouth town centre a major Christmas destination and this survey helps to show the potential for improving the Christmas offer in the years to come.”

He added: “People were incredibly passionate about Bournemouth. We spoke to those who visit year after year.

“Bournemouth is about much more than great shopping. It has a fantastic beach and beautiful gardens.

“The Christmas market, shopping, cafes, restaurants and the outdoor ice rink all worked together to create a real buzz which people couldn’t get at soulless out-of-town shopping centres.”

Negative comments

  •  ‘Chewing gum is a problem’
  •  ‘Too many clubs and bars, too many empty shops’
  •  ‘Drunks are a pain’
  • ‘Xmas market is pants’
  •  ‘Big Issue vendors repeatedly asking even when you’ve said no’
  • ‘Won’t come into town at night’
  • ‘Get homeless people off the streets’

But on the plus side...

  • ‘Very good town rangers’
  • 'Love the gardens, pier, outdoor bits’
  • ‘Nicest seaside resort in country’
  • ‘Really enjoyed the live entertainment’
  • ‘Beautiful beaches and gardens’
  • ‘Lots of disabled parking’
  • ‘Not too crowded, wide streets’

The questions they asked

Was it easy to find your way around?

  • Very easy (29 per cent)
  • Easy (55 per cent)
  • Satisfactory (14 per cent)
  • Difficult (two per cent)
  • Very difficult (1 per cent)

 

How was the overall customer service you received?

  • Excellent (15 per cent)
  • Good (70 per cent)
  • Average (14 per cent)
  • Poor (1 per cent)
  • Very poor (0)

What is your impression of the shops and shopping choice in the town?

  • Excellent (7 per cent)
  • Good (53 per cent)
  • Average (30 per cent)
  • Poor (7 per cent)
  • Very poor (3 per cent)

 

What is your impression of the ice rink in the gardens?

  • Excellent (18 per cent)
  • Good (51 per cent)
  • Average (19 per cent)
  • Poor (9 per cent)
  • Very poor (3 per cent)

Was the town clean and tidy?

  • Very clean (10 per cent)
  • Clean (43 per cent)
  • Ok (34 per cent)
  • Dirty (12 per cent)
  • Very dirty (1 per cent)

 

What is your impression of the Christmas lights/decorations in town?

  •  Excellent (14 per cent)
  • Good (40 per cent)
  • Average 30 per cent)
  • Poor (10 per cent)
  • Very poor (6 per cent)

How does Bournemouth compare with other centres you have visited?

  • Much better (9 per cent)
  • Compares well (43 per cent)
  • Similar (33 per cent)
  • Poorly (11 per cent)
  • Very poorly (3 per cent)

 

What is your impression of the Christmas market event in the Square?

  • Excellent (9 per cent)
  • Good (44 per cent)
  • Average (19 per cent)
  • Poor (17 per cent)
  • Very poor (11 per cent)

 

Comments(64)

B'mth 56 says...
9:09am Tue 5 Feb 13

Nobody seems to have mentioned the amount of dog mess on the pavements which seems to be on the increase. I am a responsible dog owner and remove what my dog leaves behind but when I am walking my dog or driving around the area I see people not picking up the mess their dog has left behind. It applies to people of all ages I may add. What do we pay a dog warden for and where are they. The council have fines for dog fouling but I would be interested to know how many are enforced and what revenue the council get from them.

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jobsworthwatch says...
9:09am Tue 5 Feb 13

Funny how every town in the country seemed to have a 'German Christmas Market' with identical sheds selling the same tat.
Were all the vendors manning these sheds actually German?
There were so many 'German Christmas Markets' across the UK it makes you wonder if there were any 'German Christmas Markets' left in Germany!

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Bournesouthmouth Downpokes says...
9:09am Tue 5 Feb 13

Drunks? Don't forget, drug addicts, load mouth "chavs", and dogs! You know the kind, the pitbull walkers...

That's all I could think of in 5 seconds. Will add to the list soon?

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Bournesouthmouth Downpokes says...
9:12am Tue 5 Feb 13

jobsworthwatch wrote:
Funny how every town in the country seemed to have a 'German Christmas Market' with identical sheds selling the same tat.
Were all the vendors manning these sheds actually German?
There were so many 'German Christmas Markets' across the UK it makes you wonder if there were any 'German Christmas Markets' left in Germany!
Germany is 100% times more civilized than England. No dog sh!t in public places there!

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Hessenford says...
9:18am Tue 5 Feb 13

The stats above are nothing to shout about, personally I think Bournemouth has lost its way over the years and become the dumping ground of tat and drunks, Bournemouth will never regain the reputation it enjoyed 30 or 40 years ago.

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human beings says...
9:33am Tue 5 Feb 13

the complete lack of compassion in the Bournemouth area for people less fortunate is a disgrace. homeless people big issue sellers chaves drunks drug takers are all human beings and all have just as much rite to be on this planet as you who think your special. anyone of us could easily end up like that. and instead of moaning about them maybe if you helped them you would find a little bit of happiness in your life rather than thinking money and shopping is the be all and end all of life. stories like this make me sick. stop being a consumer and help others maybe you will be a much happier human for it.

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scrumpyjack says...
9:49am Tue 5 Feb 13

human beings wrote:
the complete lack of compassion in the Bournemouth area for people less fortunate is a disgrace. homeless people big issue sellers chaves drunks drug takers are all human beings and all have just as much rite to be on this planet as you who think your special. anyone of us could easily end up like that. and instead of moaning about them maybe if you helped them you would find a little bit of happiness in your life rather than thinking money and shopping is the be all and end all of life. stories like this make me sick. stop being a consumer and help others maybe you will be a much happier human for it.
Says you.

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Holes Bay Curve says...
9:51am Tue 5 Feb 13

Hessenford wrote:
The stats above are nothing to shout about, personally I think Bournemouth has lost its way over the years and become the dumping ground of tat and drunks, Bournemouth will never regain the reputation it enjoyed 30 or 40 years ago.
I have nothing against 'Big Issue' sellers, but one seller every 300 yards tends to sum up the Bournemouth of today - down market, dirty, trashy, cheap.

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Controversial But True says...
9:57am Tue 5 Feb 13

I wonder what they survey would've been like in Boscombe precinct!!

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l'anglais says...
9:59am Tue 5 Feb 13

Bournesouthmouth Downpokes wrote:
jobsworthwatch wrote:
Funny how every town in the country seemed to have a 'German Christmas Market' with identical sheds selling the same tat.
Were all the vendors manning these sheds actually German?
There were so many 'German Christmas Markets' across the UK it makes you wonder if there were any 'German Christmas Markets' left in Germany!
Germany is 100% times more civilized than England. No dog sh!t in public places there!
Generally known has having received an education from Parents, Society and School.

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speedy231278 says...
10:06am Tue 5 Feb 13

Why are there so many Big Issue muggers in such a small area? There's no way that's good for them, never mind the centre of town. If you walk from the Dalkeith Arcade to Tesco, you'll pass no less than four of them, and there's another pitch outside Debenhams too! It's too many, some of them have been around for over five years and are still begging on the street claiming they can't afford shelter, yet can afford mobile phones, cigarettes and coffee from Starbucks and Costa, never mind the fact you see them drinking when off duty...

As for the market, I refuse to spend a single penny there. The relationship between the council and the shady S+D Leisure operation seems very incestuous. When was the last time anyone else got a look-in at providing 'entertainment' in Bournemouth? How much to go on that balloon ride? £5 for a 'German' sausage?

Chuggers? Should be banned. Far too many of them, and they're all on commission, so they're overly aggressive in trying to tap you up.

All of the above makes the place look like the third world!

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Melanie.Read12 says...
10:33am Tue 5 Feb 13

human beings wrote:
the complete lack of compassion in the Bournemouth area for people less fortunate is a disgrace. homeless people big issue sellers chaves drunks drug takers are all human beings and all have just as much rite to be on this planet as you who think your special. anyone of us could easily end up like that. and instead of moaning about them maybe if you helped them you would find a little bit of happiness in your life rather than thinking money and shopping is the be all and end all of life. stories like this make me sick. stop being a consumer and help others maybe you will be a much happier human for it.
You are correct, everyone has as much right as everyone else to be on this planet.
However, I think a lot of people would object to your belief that "you who think your special" just moan about those less fortunate and do nothing to help.
Where do homeless / drink / drug / a.n.other charities get their funding from? From donations from those more fortunate.
Who buys from Big Issue sellers? Those more fortunate.
People who are in a position to donate time or money to charity do so, in whatever way they feel able to. It is not the fault of the majority that those less fortunate are in the position that they find themselves in, and they should not be made to feel guilty about it. I am not saying that it is anyone's fault, but just because some has a job or money or do not suffer from addictions, doesn't mean that they don't feel compassion about those otherly afflicted.
I have been out of work, as has my husband, I have seen drug addition first hand, I have gone through periods of having literally no money, and I have been in temporary accomodation, but I luckily have come out the other side through my own efforts. Please don't think that those that appear fortuate to you, or that you believe "think they're special", have no compassion or just sit and moan - when they don't.
Instead of hating everyone who appears to be in a more fortunate position, why not refer to your own statement - "all human beings have just as much rite to be on this planet as you".

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Hessenford says...
10:37am Tue 5 Feb 13

human beings wrote:
the complete lack of compassion in the Bournemouth area for people less fortunate is a disgrace. homeless people big issue sellers chaves drunks drug takers are all human beings and all have just as much rite to be on this planet as you who think your special. anyone of us could easily end up like that. and instead of moaning about them maybe if you helped them you would find a little bit of happiness in your life rather than thinking money and shopping is the be all and end all of life. stories like this make me sick. stop being a consumer and help others maybe you will be a much happier human for it.
And turn Bournemouth into another Boscombe drunk tank, well its almost there now with people thinking like yourself.

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BBC Escapee says...
11:04am Tue 5 Feb 13

If you want to go to a good Christmas Market go to Bath!

In comparison Bournemouth is like a poorly organised jumble sale with shops to match!

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The Liberal says...
11:05am Tue 5 Feb 13

human beings wrote:
the complete lack of compassion in the Bournemouth area for people less fortunate is a disgrace. homeless people big issue sellers chaves drunks drug takers are all human beings and all have just as much rite to be on this planet as you who think your special. anyone of us could easily end up like that. and instead of moaning about them maybe if you helped them you would find a little bit of happiness in your life rather than thinking money and shopping is the be all and end all of life. stories like this make me sick. stop being a consumer and help others maybe you will be a much happier human for it.
Surely it's possible for someone to support charities (including for the homeless) and yet still dislike being approached by aggressive beggars and chuggers when out shopping?

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speedy231278 says...
11:15am Tue 5 Feb 13

Nothing about lack of compassion, but if you're accosted by four Big Issue beggars in 300 yards, all of whom claim to not be able to afford shelter but can smoke like a chimney while phoning their mates on a mobile, you wonder quite where their priorities lie? Never mind the one often outside Debenhams, who in the last year or 18 months has acquired a neck piercing, bar through the top of his ear, and a dog! Or the really nasty one outside the Cornish Bakehouse who every now and then hurls abuse at random people who say no, and on one occasion, I kid you not, spat a mouthful of half eaten sandwich into his hand and threw it down the street at someone who refused to part with any money! I once used to know a Big Issue seller who had a flat complete with broadband internet for heaven's sake. It's a complete sham that is abused by both the sellers and the company themselves, and I will not give them a penny. 99% of the sellers give 1% a bad name. I give to a number of charities which I feel are worthwhile and do what they say on the tin, but this lot fall way short.

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HRH of Boscombe says...
11:24am Tue 5 Feb 13

The big issue isn't working. It really is just begging.

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uvox44 says...
11:28am Tue 5 Feb 13

hmm some interesting comments on here re- Big Issue sellers - it seems selling a magazine that the vendors have to buy (sound familiar all you good business brains?) is still seen as begging to the more dim on here (maybe time they purchased a dictionary). And it seems if you are homeless some people seem to assume they have the right to dictate how you should spend your earnings (yes earnings- see above) - now I don't smoke or drink and i would think the less people that do the better in general BUT how people spend there money in self-harming is up to them i guess , however they earn their money . As for being hassled I don't find Big Issue sellers pushy , no more than say a market stall holder shouting to advertise their products - but then I guess the fact that some people aren't in as fortunate a situation as others is something some people use as an excuse to look down on them.

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bbird says...
11:32am Tue 5 Feb 13

BBC Escapee wrote:
If you want to go to a good Christmas Market go to Bath!

In comparison Bournemouth is like a poorly organised jumble sale with shops to match!
No need to go so far. Salisbury had a wonderful market (first year), mainly local artisan produced gifts etc. an absolute delight. And wonderful Christmas music sung by school choirs etc.

As for the German market, nothing German about it. A load of mainly imported tat which can be found at Easter, Summer, Autumn etc markets round the country. Didn't come across any German speakers. Can someone explain why it is called German?

But apart from the issues already covered above (alchies, drugs, gum, chuggets, Big Issue etc.), there was a happy festive spirit in town!

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speedy231278 says...
11:40am Tue 5 Feb 13

"hmm some interesting comments on here re- Big Issue sellers - it seems selling a magazine that the vendors have to buy (sound familiar all you good business brains?) is still seen as begging to the more dim on here (maybe time they purchased a dictionary)"

Really...?

"To beg is to entreat earnestly, implore, or supplicate. It often occurs for the purpose of securing a material benefit, generally for a gift, donation or charitable donation."

Viz, imploring someone to buy a magazine that has been purchased by the vendor with the specific goal of generating a profit, which is a material benefit. WH Smith sells magazines, but they don't stand out in the street with them urging you to buy them.

Try again before hypocritcally accusing people of being dim!

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ab8 says...
12:01pm Tue 5 Feb 13

This is an article from The Independent in May 1994 entitled-
''The homeless and the scroungers mar genteel Bournemouth's image''

Go online and read it, doesn't look like much has changed in the intervening 19 years!

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Kiki1973 says...
12:28pm Tue 5 Feb 13

I'm amazed that the response to the tacky Christmas decorations was so strong. The white lights on the Obscura, tree, lamp posts and Debenhams look lovely, all twinkly and seasonal, but... what about the Pole Dancing Santa right in the middle of the square? I mean... I get that that really does sum up 'Christmas' and 'Bournemouth', but... it's tacky and contradictory. As is the peculiar Santa-on-a-tricyle fiasco that wobbles along the base of Richmond Hill and a very odd German-accented/ English Speaking Moose above a bar in the middle of the square, the one that's next to another bar... Why on earth aren't we going for a less trashy look? We certainly spend the money, why not just try to make it look better? If it looks classier, people will hopefully act accordingly. You'll never get rid of drunks and Yoof but at least make it look like it doesn't attract them. That's where Bath and Salisbury have got it right.
And whilst we're on the topic, if there's a manger in the Square, why isn't there a Menorah since Christmas and Hanukkah are at roughly the same time? There certainly used to be, until S&D decided that trash-in-a-shed and substandard plastic tat scattered about the place were the way forward.

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j neptune esq says...
12:43pm Tue 5 Feb 13

interesting

54% thought the decorations were good or excellent

53% thought the market was good or excellent

yet the article reports that improved decorations had good feedback, yet people 'criticised' the market.


i heart statistics

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muscliffman says...
12:59pm Tue 5 Feb 13

So in effect 'Town Centre interests' surveyed a few of the public already visiting there. Their employees, the Town Rangers actually carried out the 'survey'.

the result announced is that the Town Centre is pretty good and the Town Rangers top the list of 'likes' in the Echo. Well knock me over with a copy of the Big Issue, but what a surprise.

They are right in that there is a massive potential in our Town Centre. But only providing we recognise the many current faults and engage with radical new ideas and fresh investment in order to compete with the modern alternatives.

The Town Centre is not at all attractive to people at the moment - fact. Gazing at it's own navel and then deluding itself like this 'survey' suggests serves no useful purpose.

But at least it seems we are all agreed about the German Christmas Market. Not again thank you!

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Arthur Maureen says...
1:41pm Tue 5 Feb 13

human beings wrote:
the complete lack of compassion in the Bournemouth area for people less fortunate is a disgrace. homeless people big issue sellers chaves drunks drug takers are all human beings and all have just as much rite to be on this planet as you who think your special. anyone of us could easily end up like that. and instead of moaning about them maybe if you helped them you would find a little bit of happiness in your life rather than thinking money and shopping is the be all and end all of life. stories like this make me sick. stop being a consumer and help others maybe you will be a much happier human for it.
Most of the reptiles you refer to are a complete menace and do not give a **** for anyone else. If you like them so much how about inviting them round for tea tonight?

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speedy231278 says...
1:56pm Tue 5 Feb 13

What exactly is the point of these 'Town Rangers' apart from wasting my taxes on keeping people wonadering around aimlessly pretending to have a useful purpose?

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bosco1 says...
1:57pm Tue 5 Feb 13

Those market sheds to me were full of junk overpriced and cheap goods you could buy in a jumble sale., at a lower price.! As for the big issue sellers dont give me a problem I just walk past.,but agree there are to many, if you go into CHristchurch stand outside the old woolworths see the rumanion lady there she is dropped off in a car and collected every day.!!Says it all..

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HRH of Boscombe says...
2:01pm Tue 5 Feb 13

bosco1 wrote:
Those market sheds to me were full of junk overpriced and cheap goods you could buy in a jumble sale., at a lower price.! As for the big issue sellers dont give me a problem I just walk past.,but agree there are to many, if you go into CHristchurch stand outside the old woolworths see the rumanion lady there she is dropped off in a car and collected every day.!!Says it all..
What's a 'rumanion lady'?

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georgina dean says...
2:34pm Tue 5 Feb 13

YOU CANT IMPORT CULTURE....these markets belong in Germany where the idea is NOT to sit on the walls with bottles getting drunk and Karaoki drunks ...In germany these are lovely but S&J leisure have reduced it to tat and drunks....Took my grand children down one thursday evening...No Christmas Spirit...No Carols...Pathetic decorations in the square....so the town cant hide behind this pathetic non event....

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BmthNewshound says...
2:46pm Tue 5 Feb 13

A survey of 248 people is hardly representative and if it was conducted in the town centre doesn't address the issue that Bournemouth people are abandoning the town centre.
.
Its all spin by a manager who's job depends on getting people back into the town centre.

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agp1337 says...
3:19pm Tue 5 Feb 13

I've just had a quick glance at the 'Big Issue' website but can't find the rules. It's supposed to be done politely at all times (I think) and they have to have identification and can be reported for misdemeanours (I think). Whether you dare to do that with an abusive one is obviously a risk. It needs to be taken under control: it is losing its previously correct image. It's an awful magazine too. I once bought a copy and it was garbage. Now I just cross the road if there is a seller there, though if I see him/her behaving properly I will give them £1. This needs bring back under proper control.

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bosco1 says...
3:25pm Tue 5 Feb 13

HRH of Boscombe wrote:
bosco1 wrote: Those market sheds to me were full of junk overpriced and cheap goods you could buy in a jumble sale., at a lower price.! As for the big issue sellers dont give me a problem I just walk past.,but agree there are to many, if you go into CHristchurch stand outside the old woolworths see the rumanion lady there she is dropped off in a car and collected every day.!!Says it all..
What's a 'rumanion lady'?
Sorry HRH, it should have read a Romanian Lady from Rumania.!! oop,s the lady that sells the Big Issue outside old woolworthes most days.!!

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speedy231278 says...
3:48pm Tue 5 Feb 13

Woolworths? They went bust long before Jessops, HMV (will they, won't they?), Blockbuster, etc....!

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the_baron1 says...
4:41pm Tue 5 Feb 13

I thought the lights on the trees at the fiveway rounderbout this christmas were excellent. Hope they are back again next year.

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J Swain says...
4:58pm Tue 5 Feb 13

Well well what difference will it make it will be back next year the German Bar that sells Fosters and a load of clap trap destroying the shops that pay rates all year! And why is the contract with S&D Leisure they are not even local so much for Localism perhaps you should ask the Chief Exec why S&D have all the seafront and the square!!!

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Jambonick says...
5:05pm Tue 5 Feb 13

Controversial But True wrote:
I wonder what they survey would've been like in Boscombe precinct!!
Aw come on!

Everyday life in Boscombe has improved no end since it was twinned with Beruit!

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vst says...
5:19pm Tue 5 Feb 13

Bournemouth is dirty, full of empty shops, bars which no-one over 25 wants to go in, night clubs which if you walk past at the weekend is full of drunks and people trying to fight each other. As for the Christmas market it just sells absolute rubbish which only idiots would want to buy.
Bournemouth needs to take a look at Winchester for what a Christmas market should be - there are things on sale people want to buy and the market is a pleasure to go to.
Why not move the Christmas market to Bournemouth Gardens so people can still walk through town, although I don't know why you would bother going to Bournemouth these days as it only takes 30 minutes to go visit the decent shops. Try bringing some of the better shops to Bournemouth, with all the students in Bournemouth a shop like Uniqlo would be a good idea rather than the tat that is already there - shops selling London sweatshirts are we in London now? Do I need to go on - Bournemouth needs to sort itself out and get rid of the rubbish that's here and get up-to-date - lower the rent/rates for the shops and Bournemouth might improve otherwise it is only going to get worse.

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GAHmusic says...
5:58pm Tue 5 Feb 13

This year I visited a xmas market in Malaga and a couple of years back in Paris and both had stalls selling things that made me go, shall we say, ooooh in wonderment and not errrrrr in dispair at the rubbishy old tat I see every year in Bournemouths xmas market

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LJT1966 says...
6:11pm Tue 5 Feb 13

bosco1 wrote:
HRH of Boscombe wrote:
bosco1 wrote: Those market sheds to me were full of junk overpriced and cheap goods you could buy in a jumble sale., at a lower price.! As for the big issue sellers dont give me a problem I just walk past.,but agree there are to many, if you go into CHristchurch stand outside the old woolworths see the rumanion lady there she is dropped off in a car and collected every day.!!Says it all..
What's a 'rumanion lady'?
Sorry HRH, it should have read a Romanian Lady from Rumania.!! oop,s the lady that sells the Big Issue outside old woolworthes most days.!!
Whilst I have every respect for Big Issue sellers if you walk past her half a dozen times she will harrass you every time. I cross the street to avoid her now.

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verityvita says...
6:42pm Tue 5 Feb 13

ab8 wrote:
This is an article from The Independent in May 1994 entitled-
''The homeless and the scroungers mar genteel Bournemouth's image''

Go online and read it, doesn't look like much has changed in the intervening 19 years!
That's a terrible indication of how nothing changes in Bournemouth or Boscombe but just gets worse. If this was known about and being reported on in 1994, why has it all just continued going down hill? Could it be money, money, money...too many vested interests in keeping it like it was/is?

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Phixer says...
7:41pm Tue 5 Feb 13

jobsworthwatch wrote:
Funny how every town in the country seemed to have a 'German Christmas Market' with identical sheds selling the same tat.
Were all the vendors manning these sheds actually German?
There were so many 'German Christmas Markets' across the UK it makes you wonder if there were any 'German Christmas Markets' left in Germany!
There are Christmas markets in much of Europe, not just Germany, and very festive they are too.

The problem with Bournemouth is that S&D and BBC are so deep in each others pockets. S&D just doesn't have any original ideas and the BBC is not going to let anyone else run a market.

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Bob49 says...
7:46pm Tue 5 Feb 13

Sadly, little will change. The council will pat themselves on the back whilst reading the findings of this survey and the whole ghastly mess will continue.

Curiously there is no explanation of why the survey included stuff about the beach when it was taken in the run up to Xmas.

S&D Leisure have year on year delivered a level of tat that would not look out of place in some rundown 1970's holiday camp. A measure of this was last summer when buying tea from a stall on the pier approach. After paying nearly £8 for four cartons of hot water we found we had been given cream instead of milk. There was no milk so we asked for a refund, it was not what was ordered. The 'manager' appeared and instead of apologising told us to 'go elsewhere' (anglo saxon variant) and then ignored us. A complaint to the Town Hall initiated a weasel voiced reply by phone two days later from the dept for handwringing and tutting. Nothing else.

Symptomatic of the whole malaise that affects this town, whose slogan should now be 'Nothing is too low for Bournemouth'.

I would suggest to anyone that they visit Wincester Xmas market. We go by train and it is an excellent day out.

I would like to accompany a few councillors there before taking them back to the third world shanty town that is Bournemouth at Xmas. Get them to explain why other towns can deliver a superb market and we get given something that would not look out of place in the backstreets of Mexico City.

I often wonder if it is lack of competence or shame with our councillors - or both...

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jayeff says...
7:59pm Tue 5 Feb 13

I consider that the sheds and tents that from time to time are erected in the square are a disgrace selling tat at exorbitant prices. I have yet to hear any local resident have a good word
Let the shops earn a living without these incomers

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Western Sunset says...
8:01pm Tue 5 Feb 13

Remember that only 321 people responded to this survey.

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uvox44 says...
10:27pm Tue 5 Feb 13

so according to speedy any outside trader who asks you to buy their product is begging ! hmmm now who's being dim?!

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RivermeadMike says...
11:07pm Tue 5 Feb 13

There was a time when the complaint was that Bournemouth was being governed for the benefit of the hoteliers!

That was years ago now of course, these days it's all about the uni and nightclubs.

At least the hoteliers were concerned about preserving the reputation of the town, thus attracting discerning visitors and families who supported the once decent shopping centre.

Sadly it's all now gone to pot to put it mildly!

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Skyrah says...
1:58am Wed 6 Feb 13

I'd love to see a Victorian style market selling quality goods like those found in Covent Garden. Some half decent Victorian costumes for marketing workforce with match seller type suspended trays could drum up custom for the shop owners in Bournemouth all year round to compensate for additional, short term competition. Perhaps schools could be encouraged to provide traditional Christmas carols and some fund raising Victorian games in the gardens? Only problem, Victorian Christmas was imported along with Albert from....... err, Germany! Oh well, seemed like a good idea at the time!

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yesitsmeagain says...
6:03am Wed 6 Feb 13

jobsworthwatch wrote:
Funny how every town in the country seemed to have a 'German Christmas Market' with identical sheds selling the same tat.
Were all the vendors manning these sheds actually German?
There were so many 'German Christmas Markets' across the UK it makes you wonder if there were any 'German Christmas Markets' left in Germany!
they prob had our english markets selling english tat lol

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davecook says...
8:38am Wed 6 Feb 13

To be fair, shopping in Bournemouth is marginally better than Poole High Street. In the run up to last Christmas, I was fortunate enough to have a day in Exeter, and a day in Bath. Both trips were done by train, and both city centres are within easy walking distance of the stations. If Beales, M&S, and Dingles were to pull out, Bournemouth would instantly die as a shopping centre. No amount of sheds would make up for them. They are the ones who the council really needs to listen to, they pay a fortune in rates 12 months of the year, and find the most important bit of the trading year is spent with the open pedestrian area in front of your shop almost hidden by sheds (think Dingles last December).

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BBC Escapee says...
9:18am Wed 6 Feb 13

I think you all went to the wrong Christmas Market!

S & D Leisure says on their website that this is what it was like......


"Inspired by the “Weihnachtsmarkt
traditional German Markets the Bournemouth Christmas Festival has been well established for six years now. In 2009 it was given a new lease of life by the new organisers S & D Leisure Europe Ltd who have taken over its running and promotion. We guarantee you will see a big improvement in the quality of the event with a new German Alpine Bar featured, more traders in new purpose built exhibitors chalets and delightful Christmas decorations and dedicated Christmas Festival Gateways. The event is aimed squarely at a family audience with something for everyone on offer.

Held in the heart of Bournemouth in the Town Square and surrounding streets this festive extravaganza will be bursting at the seams with Christmas ambience.

It will be beautifully dressed with Christmas lights and snowy decorations and animated figures, truly a wonder to behold. It will feature authentic German cuisine with a traditional German charcoal BBQ Bratwurst House offering three types of German sausage, a roasted chestnuts costermonger, a flavoured coffee stall and a crepe stall. A brand new Alpine Chalet style bar with a beer garden serving high quality German lager and mulled wines (Gluhwein) will be centre stage offering a welcome distraction to your Christmas shopping.

Numerous alpine chalets all decorated with twinkling white Christmas lights will offer authentic seasonal gifts and traditional yuletide foods from German, British and other European craftsmen and merchants. They have been selected as top class purveyors of traditional Christmas fair to ensure you have a high quality shopping experience.
A traditional Victorian Style carousel will provide fun for all ages and add the perfect Victorian vibe to the occasion.

A series of Christmas events including carol singing and other related attractions are planned for the Town Square to ensure that people are entertained as well as catered for in the retail therapy area. S & D Leisure Europe Ltd will be hosting a Mobile Stage at the 2012 Christmas Market. The stage will be filled with family entertainment from various artists. If you are an entertainer and would like to volunteer your services, please contact us for further information. The stage will also be available for those with hidden talents who would like to take part in Karaoke, which will be limited to a Christmas theme only"

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ab8 says...
12:25pm Wed 6 Feb 13

According to Duedil, S&D Leisure (Bournemouth) Ltd, are in liquidation.

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speedy231278 says...
12:47pm Wed 6 Feb 13

ab8 wrote:
According to Duedil, S&D Leisure (Bournemouth) Ltd, are in liquidation.
Yes, but there are several S&D Leisure companies. No doubt there's a nifty Starbucks style tax reason for it....

S&D Leisure Limited 07412567 - registered at a hotel in Barnsley
S&D Leisure (Bournemouth) Limited (in liq) 04405311 - in Chancery, Manchester
S&D Leisure (Europe) Limited 03844316 - registered in Manchester
S&D Leisure Manchester Limited 07557266 - registered in Manchester, accounts dormant
The S&D Leisure Organisation Limited (in liq) 05324814 - in Chancery, Manchester
S&D Leisure Simulations Limited 06308630 - registered in Biggleswade, may or may not be linked.

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kingstonpaul says...
1:03pm Wed 6 Feb 13

Soemone enlighten me. What's the big obsession about having a German market? The country is carpet bombed with them over Christmas and the rest of the year. Does stuff made in Taiwan coming via Germany have a special place in our Christmas celebrations?

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ab8 says...
1:23pm Wed 6 Feb 13

S&D Leisure, directors Stanley Shawn Reeves and Deborah Reeves, organisers of the Bournemouth German Market.

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Kiki1973 says...
2:03pm Wed 6 Feb 13

I honestly wish we'd get the 'good' market that comes in September (the Continental Food Market) at Christmas instead, as that would be much more use.... people want cheeses and cakes and sausages and chocolate at Christmas, not the Tat that is chucked into a shed and sold at hugely inflated prices.

S&D are trash mongers trying to make Bournemouth into a low-rent Blackpool, which is the last thing we need or want.

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BBC Escapee says...
4:40pm Wed 6 Feb 13

speedy231278 wrote:
ab8 wrote:
According to Duedil, S&D Leisure (Bournemouth) Ltd, are in liquidation.
Yes, but there are several S&D Leisure companies. No doubt there's a nifty Starbucks style tax reason for it....

S&D Leisure Limited 07412567 - registered at a hotel in Barnsley
S&D Leisure (Bournemouth) Limited (in liq) 04405311 - in Chancery, Manchester
S&D Leisure (Europe) Limited 03844316 - registered in Manchester
S&D Leisure Manchester Limited 07557266 - registered in Manchester, accounts dormant
The S&D Leisure Organisation Limited (in liq) 05324814 - in Chancery, Manchester
S&D Leisure Simulations Limited 06308630 - registered in Biggleswade, may or may not be linked.
According to their website they are called:.............
..

The S&D Leisure Organisation Ltd.

But it seems that they have forgotten to put their registered company number on their website!

Remember they are running council contracts do you expect anything that Bournemouth Borough Council is involved in to be straight forward!

The contract to run the Bournemouth Eye Balloon was awarded to S & D Leisure (Europe) Ltd.

Bournemouth Council say that their nominated contractor for the Christmas Market operation is S & D Leisure Ltd

Wish I was a reporter!

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Dibbles2 says...
12:18pm Sat 9 Feb 13

Bournemouths advertising is terrible with people having to search for answers to when events are on like fireworks or the Cocal cola lorry coming in for example when Bournemouth tourism should be plugging these at every opportunity. We as a family have missed some great things year after year simply because we didnt know about it!

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The Timelord says...
2:26pm Sat 9 Feb 13

A collection of tatty wee sheds is not a market, just more street clutter at the expense of real business rate payers earning an honest penny and employing local people.
Removing the flowerbeds in Old Christchurch Road (see echo story of shock/horror) will make more space for these tacky outlets in the future - now there's another winner from the council.

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Felicity1 says...
6:00pm Sat 9 Feb 13

I came from Canada to spend Christmas in Bournemouth. I found it to be a beautiful place to stay, but was disappointed by the "German" market which seemed to be German in name only. With all of Britain's wonderful Christmas traditions, surely it would be better to put on something which reflects your heritage. That would be amazing.

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guisselle says...
10:01pm Sat 9 Feb 13

I agree Felicity our heritage is not
being represented and we should be
promoting Russell-cotes museum
with its beautiful paintings and history.
Victorian themes would be good.

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madras says...
11:49am Sun 10 Feb 13

'discarded chewing gum was a bone of contention' - does this mean there are people who don't think discarded chewing gum?

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madras says...
11:50am Sun 10 Feb 13

madras wrote:
'discarded chewing gum was a bone of contention' - does this mean there are people who don't think discarded chewing gum?
... meant to say ...who don't think discarded chewing gum is a problem?

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Davidos121 says...
9:26am Mon 11 Feb 13

I get sick of residents here complaining about the place over and over again. I grew up in Cambridgeshire, lived in Newcastle and London and now live in Bournemouth and it is leaps and bounds better. People seem to forget that every town/city has problems, especially with litter, drunks, drugs etc. you seem to think that you have it worse than everyone. You dont. We should be happy for what we have instead of moaning about it 24/7. After the drunks, drugs and litter, i'd say the next big thing to let this place down are its ungrateful residents.

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bbird says...
3:29pm Mon 11 Feb 13

Felicity1 wrote:
I came from Canada to spend Christmas in Bournemouth. I found it to be a beautiful place to stay, but was disappointed by the "German" market which seemed to be German in name only. With all of Britain's wonderful Christmas traditions, surely it would be better to put on something which reflects your heritage. That would be amazing.
You are absolutely right. Most of the good things here are from around that period. I can't name one memorable modern building here. So much for progress.

Unfortunately many English towns and cities are blighted by commercialism over good common sense.

We seem to all want the same thing for Bournemouth, a town which could be a jewel on the South Coast (and to some extent still is)

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