THE organiser of a funfair at Branksome Recreation Ground has defended the attraction after concerns over anti-social behaviour.

William Cole, of William Cole & Son Amusements, said while there was "trouble some years ago we were not the organisers then".

As reported in the Daily Echo earlier this week, councillors in Poole were up in arms after officers allowed the funfair to take place at the recreation ground.

Due to long-running anti-social behaviour problems in the area linked to funfairs, councillors secured a ban on the events almost a decade ago.

Residents also slammed the "disrespectful" decision to allow their return.

William Cole & Son Amusements arrived at the site on Monday afternoon to start setting up ahead of the funfair's opening on Friday.

It will be open to the public until Sunday, June 17.

Mr Cole said over the last 10 years, his business had "taken numerous steps to combat anti-social behaviour, achieving a general decline of such cases to which I take pride in."

He added while he appreciated councillors' concerns, he held "numerous fairgrounds in the area" and was "welcomed each year at these sites".

"This is not only my business, but my way of life and has been for many generations. We will ensure to the best of our ability to offer the general public a safe, family-friendly environment.

"With this in mind we have taken numerous steps to safeguard our events in terms of safety and security.

"I intend to liaise with the council after the event, and, likewise, I am happy to meet personally with the councillors quoted, and anyone else, to ease their concerns," he said.