BOURNEMOUTH residents have reacted to a house party in the town being shut down by police, with many calling for those responsible to be fined.

A “large party” held on Cardigan Road in Winton was stopped by police and out-of-hour officers from BCP Council in the early hours of Wednesday September 30.

Neighbours claim that there were between 50 and 60 people at the house party, which spilled onto the streets as authorities intervened.

Although no fines were issued on the evening, police are continuing to review evidence from Tuesday night to “determine further enforcement action”.

A BCP Council spokesperson said: “Out of hours officers from the council attended Cardigan Road following complaints of noise nuisance and worked with police colleagues at the time to help reduce the impact on nearby neighbours and reduce the numbers in attendance.

“Enforcement action will now be taken within the powers available to us and we will actively support any further investigations by the police.

“We would remind all residents that it is everyone’s responsibility to comply with the Covid-19 regulations. We will of course support our communities to meet these requirements.

“However, a robust partnership response will be delivered by the council and the police when breaches place public health at risk.”

Many readers have taken to social media to raise concerns about the “reckless behaviour” shown by the organisers of the party, at a time where no more than six people from different households are allowed to socialise together.

One resident said: “There was more than 70 people in that house.

“I was working up the road and there was easily 100 people in and out of the house when the police arrived. It was like rats deserting the ship.”

Another resident added: “What I find distressing is that those who avoid the rules are not only endangering themselves but endangering other people.

“It's not clever or getting one over the authorities. We are told what to do and why anyone wouldn't do it is just reckless behaviour.”

However, some people have come out in support of students, due to the subsequent backlash against undergraduates in the area.

Kirsty North, who lives in Winton said: “I have students either side of me. One side knocked on my door, introduced themselves and said was their birthday the next night so were having a few people over for drinks.

“I said ‘no more than six’. They said ‘of course’, not with a smirk. I dreaded it from previous experiences over the years.

“I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. They had two people over, a few drinks, no loud music or anything. Very respectable lads this year. They are not all bad.”

However, the majority of people are angered by the fact that no sanctions have been handed out thus far.

Adrian Boyd said: “Why were they not all fined? That's supposed to happen now instantaneously so why didn't it? Unbelievable."

Another resident added: “If no fines were handed out then word will go around that any future parties will just be disbanded.

“A missed opportunity to make an example I think.”