STUDENTS are restarting a clean-up to stop flashers and ‘sexual activity’ in Meyrick Park Bournemouth.

The police asked for volunteers to help cut back and tidy up the undergrowth to stop people hiding in the bushes.

Work restarts tomorrow and continues through the spring after a successful autumn and winter campaign.

Ward councillor Andrew Morgan said: “I think this is a really good example of students helping the community.

“It’s been done to stop the daytime sexual activity. There have also been reports of flashers.

“It’s good to see non-native species being taken out of the park to improve safety for everybody.

The Echo revealed in 2010 how a gay sex website listed Meyrick Park as one of Dorset’s most popular cruising spots, with 65,700 page views.

To stop people using the area, volunteers from the Student Union Bournemouth University are cutting back the undergrowth, picking up rubbish, and planting native species.

Jessie Banovic, communications officer at Bournemouth University, said: “It’s a clean-up and conservation project to make the area safer.

“It got a bit overgrown and there were lots of alien species like rhododendrons.

“We started again for the spring yesterday.

“The police approached us to help because they thought it would be safer.

“We started on October 19 and finished for Christmas on December 14 and about 15 people went out every week.”

Sgt Steve Houston, from Meyrick Park Safer Neighbour-hood Team, said: “It has been hard work but huge credit must go to the university students and parks department who have really made a difference.

“We will continue to work with Bournemouth University and Bournemouth Council to keep the Meyrick Park area safe for all park visitors.”