A FORMER prisoner who is trying to set up a business for himself and other ex-offenders selling goods on Bournemouth seafront says he has met a wall of red tape.

Richard Dowdell, 41, from Southbourne, was released from prison in April and now wants to set up a business that would see himself, and others who have been in his shoes, selling items like salads and drinks on the seafront from cool boxes.

Each person would be self-employed and Richard said he wanted to give other ex-offenders the chance to integrate back into society and to earn a living for themselves.

But he said he had been refused a peddler’s certificate and had met a mountain of bureaucracy in trying to start up the venture. He said he had now reapplied.

Richard added: “I’m an ex-prisoner and I’m trying to create something and instil it into this local economy and I’m ticking so many boxes.

“I’m trying to get something done that will help ex-offenders, and it’s like banging your head against a brick wall.

“I wanted to pilot this model just locally, but as far as I’m concerned there’s a national roll-out that could happen.”

A Dorset Police spokesman said: “An application has been received for a certificate.

“It is currently being processed.”

Roger Parker, Bournemouth town centre manager, said: “The council responded by providing written advice to Mr Dowdell.

“This was also followed up with further advice and subsequent information to the specific questions he asked.”