A CAMPAIGN to rejuvenate Boscombe has been greeted with excitement and anticipation.

After research revealed the suburb is one of the most deprived areas in the South West of England the Daily Echo alongside Boscombe Regeneration Partnership and Bournemouth 2026, has launched the Backing Boscombe campaign to improve the town centre.

New figures show life expectancy for residents is the worst across the whole of Bournemouth with 27 per cent of people in Boscombe West living with a limiting long-term illness, more than a third of adults smoke and 28 per cent of adults are obese.

The report also highlights how just 15 per cent of residents feel safe outside after dark and anti-social behaviour rose seven per cent in central Boscombe last year.

Businesses and residents are being asked to take pride in their neighbourhoods and the community to raise standards.

Cllr Chris Wakefield who represents Boscombe West said: “There is a community spirit in Boscombe and we really need to tap into that more and utilise it.

“People will say “get rid of the rehab centres” but everywhere you go in the UK there are people like this.

“As a community we support those people.

“I think it is very forward thinking to ask the community how to heal itself within the financial constraints that we have got.

“I am so terribly excited about where this will go.

“There will be some negativity but the positivity will far outweigh that.

“I personally believe in the next four years we will not recognise Boscombe.

“It will still have its problems as everywhere does and I think we have to be realistic about that but things will get better.”

He cited the cheap accommodation as one of the main problems, calling on social and private landlords to improve their properties for tenants.

To submit your vision for Boscombe or offer your help email bournemouth2026@bournemouth.gov.uk.