CALLS to ban skateboarders in Bournemouth Square could be a step closer after a woman was seriously injured.

The incident, in which the female pedestrian was 'knocked over by skaters and broke her arm', took place last week.

Now, Bournemouth council are looking at implementing an order to give them more powers to deal with the skateboarders.

This could include banning them from skating in the Square.

Cllr David Smith, cabinet member for planning and environment, said: "We are very sorry to hear about this incident.

"Where it can, the council promotes co-operation and safe public use of the Square.

"The issue of skateboarders has been raised with Dorset Police and we continue to be in discussions with them on how to avoid incidents like this happening.

“One of the options being explored includes obtaining a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) on the Square which would give the council additional powers as well as assisting the police in ensuring the Square remains safe.”

A PSPO prohibits certain activities in specified areas or ensures that people are required to behave in certain ways in that area.

It is commonly used to prevent or reduce certain activities at different times and people can be fined or prosecuted if the order is breached.

Bournemouth Council's chief executive, Tony Williams is understood to have contacted the victim of the incident last week.

Staff from the Obscura cafe went to the woman's aid until the emergency services arrived.

Obscura's owner, Grant Rayner, said: "The lady was bowled over by a skateboarder and broke her arm.

"She had to go to hospital, but before that she came to the cafe where staff looked after her.

"She gave us a call afterwards, and just like everyone else, she can't believe that skateboarders can use the square as their own personal skate park."

He said the woman had sustained "terrible pain" with her injury, which has left her unable to drive.

"From 4pm onwards, the Square is taken over by skateboarders," he said.

"There's nowhere else in the country that I'm aware of where something like this happens."

He added: "We have had various meetings with the council, and I know the town rangers and local police officers are concerned.

"It's been going on for years.

"It's a terrible problem. We've had damage, other shops have been damaged, little kids have been hurt.

"At times, the Square is a no-go zone to some extent.

"There are by-laws and public orders to deal with a situation like this but nothing is being done.

"It is a really sad situation. We have got a lovely town but this puts people off visiting the town centre.

"We've tried to be diplomatic but it's getting us nowhere.

"We know the will is there but no action has been taken. A permanent solution is needed."

We will not criminalise skateboarders, say police 

POLICE say they will not criminalise those who skateboard in the town centre.

Officers were called in after a woman was badly hurt in a town centre collision with a skateboarder last week, but it has been confirmed that there will be no charges in connection with the incident.

And cops have said that concerns about the skateboarders have come from Bournemouth council and town rangers rather than members of the public.

A spokesperson from the force said: "[Last week's incident] was clearly an accident and this view is supported by the person involved and CCTV evidence.

"No action is being taken in relation to this unfortunate accident."

No direct calls reporting anti-social behaviour in relation to the skateboarders have been received between January 1 and June 16 of this year, the spokesperson added.

"However, Bournemouth Borough Council and the town rangers have raised skateboarders in the town as an issue," she said.

"This is a matter for the council to tackle and work with those that skateboard to resolve the issue as they see fit."

Police have also identified a number of solutions for councillors to tackle the issue if they decide to.

The spokesperson said there are solutions for the council to look in to should they wish to end skateboarding in the Square.

"Many options are available to deal with the issue of skateboarding in the town centre which are supported by Dorset Police. 

"They include use of the relevant legislation, for example a Public Spaces Protection Order, landscaping or the provision of alternatives. 

"We continue to work with the council and other relevant parties to engage with skateboarders to find a solution that meets the needs of everyone involved."

She added: "Our view is that using tough legal powers to disperse the young people involved would be a disproportionate response.

"Instead, we are keen to take a partnership approach to resolve the matter with Bournemouth council."

Police officers and PCSOs have always engaged with skateboarders, and an event called Big Skate is planned to raise awareness of other skating venues and to encourage safe skating when in public, she added.