OUTRAGED residents and business owners in Bournemouth’s popular West Cliff say a planned mobile snack bar will ruin a family picnic spot and harm existing trade.

They have started a petition against Bournemouth Parks’ planning application for a business to run a daily mobile catering kiosk selling hot and cold food and drink and ice creams from 9am to 8pm, Easter to October.

It would run from the end of West Cliff Promenade, with removable seating nearby.

West Cliff Green Residents’ Association chairman Christopher Colledge says there are enough places for people to buy refreshments already around the area.

Mr Colledge, who leads around 600 members, said: “People are outraged that the council are advocating such a food outlet at this location.

“Why on earth should somebody want to run a catering unit at this beautiful location, taking business away from local hotels?”

He added: “This is a majestic cliff top for pleasure and leisure, families and picnics.

“It does not need to be taken over by overpriced plastic cups of fizzy drinks, coffee and whatever else.

“People feel that there’s already many suppliers in the area and a mobile unit would take away trade from well established businesses.

“Leave this green as a peaceful and restful space.”

Ed Alexander, Contract Manager, said: “The area is popular with residents and visitors as a recreational space and as such we believe that a mobile catering unit serving hot and cold beverages, ice creams, sandwiches and limited hot food could be an added attraction to the area.”

The unit would be removed each night, he added.

Comment online at bournemouth. gov.uk by Saturday May 5.