A CAR PARK in Bournemouth town centre is being overhauled after customers raised concerns about "aggressive" beggars.

Shutters have been installed at the NCP car park in Richmond Hill as a result of complaints.

As reported in the Echo last September, motorists using the building said beggars had barricaded people in a lift while asking for money, while another person was reportedly threatened with a needle and screwdriver.

Many Nationwide employees taking advantage of a discounted parking scheme leave their vehicles at the site, which has 236 spaces, including four disabled bays, and is open every day between 6am and midnight.

Bosses at the NCP say the shutters have resulted in a "vast reduction" in the number of homeless people gathering inside the building.

Michelle McCarthy said: "Following a recent review of car park operations, we have listened to views of colleagues, residents and customers.

"To address concerns regarding rough sleepers, NCP has taken the decision to invest in our Bournemouth The Square site on Richmond Hill.

"As a result of the review, we have decided to make a few improvements to the site.

"The first phase of improvements has seen us overhaul the entry and exits, with the closure of the site from midnight until 6am every day through the installation of new shutters.

"NCP liaised with local residents and season ticket holders regarding this decision and has been very supported in this action.

"Since the first day of the new system going live we have seen a vast reduction in the number of rough sleepers, and indeed on most evenings with none present at all.

"As a result we will continue to run the car park in this way for the benefit of all our customers and our staff."

Further works are planned for the site in the coming weeks.

Michelle said: "The next step of the improvements is the installation of a complete new parking equipment system which should improve reliability and offer a variety of products and payment methods for all our clients."

Homelessness is an ongoing issue in Bournemouth, with some traders claiming the problem is at "epidemic" levels.

Earlier this month, council officials announced proposals to invest a further £18.5 million to buy homes for rough sleepers in the town.

The plans are part of the authority's homelessness strategy, and the new houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) would provide temporary accommodation for homeless people who can demonstrate a connection to the town.

Last year the council announced it would invest some £11.7 million in buying 110 homes across the borough in a bid to tackle the rise in homelessness.

The programme could now be expanded through further investment in order to purchase an additional 66 properties, all of which will be let to homeless households where the council has a statutory duty to house them.

Anyone who has concerns about rough sleepers in Bournemouth can call StreetLink on 0300 500 0914 or report it via dorset.police.uk