COUNCIL officials say there have been changes at a Bournemouth park after police were called to reports of a rape on New Year's Eve.

A woman in her 30s was allegedly attacked at the bowling green in Knyveton Gardens sometime after 11.30pm.

Officers investigating the allegations say the sex was initially consensual. However, the man then became 'physically violent' and further, non-consensual sex took place, it is reported.

The issue was raised as residents of Springbourne and East Cliff met on Thursday evening.

Those who live near the park have reported anti-social behaviour, drug dealing and prostitution in the same area to police.

Sophie Ricketts, strategic enforcement coordinator for housing and communities, said the council had "taken steps" to make Knyveton Gardens "more environmentally friendly" in a bid to encourage more people to walk through.

"We want to increase the thoroughfare in the gardens," she said.

"From my perspective, I have had fewer reports [of illegal activity] in since changes around the gardens."

Thick hedges and undergrowth have been cut back to increase visibility, while bat boxes have been installed to boost visits from wildlife enthusiasts, she said.

However, one resident said there are problems with some lights in the park. One near the bowling club has been broken for three years, he told the meeting. He was urged to report the issue to the council.

The man also reported that the environmental changes had pushed drug dealing to the park's sensory garden.

Sergeant Ashley White, who attended for Dorset Police, encouraged residents to keep getting in touch with reports of drug dealing and anti-social behaviour and said their information is "gold dust".

"That's what we need," she said.

"It builds an intelligence picture."

She said residents shouldn't be discouraged if calls to 101 are answered after drug dealers have left.

"The information still comes to us and still goes into the system," she said.

"It's happening everywhere, across Bournemouth, but for here, if you're seeing it, please report it.

"Don't think your information is being wasted."

Residents said drug addicts are out in "all weather", with one adding: "If they are desperate, they'll go out."

Speaking after the meeting, Kelly Ansell, head of communities and enforcement for Bournemouth council, said: “The Operation Galaxy and community regeneration teams have been working with residents' group the Friends of Knyveton Gardens, Dorset Police and the parks department to implement improvements to Knyveton Gardens with the aim of increasing the usage of the park whilst also deterring crime and anti-social behaviour.

"There is a strong relationship with a pro-active group of residents who have undertaken gardening and parks improvements, in partnership with the local authority and several proposals under consideration.

"It has been a very positive piece of work and a good example of how partnership working and resident involvement can improve an area.”

The rape investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information should contact police via dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 4:3.