THE owners of nine tents that were used for overnight camping on BCP Council beaches are pending prosecution, a council spokesperson has said.

In May, the Council announced that they were stepping up patrols of the seafront to crack down on beach campers over the half term break.

Those caught camping overnight on the beachfront risk prosecution and fines of up to £1,000.

A BCP Council spokesperson said: "Since April 1 this year, Seafront Rangers and SIA Security Operatives have educated and removed the majority of overnight tents on BCP Council beaches.

“Those that failed to adhere to verbal and written warnings have been subject to further action. So far, the owners of nine tents that were erected on BCP Council beaches are pending prosecution."

Councillor May Haines said: "Our seafront teams work tirelessly throughout the year to ensure that our beaches are safe, and rules are adhered to regarding camping and overnight stays. We want all visitors to enjoy our award-winning beaches and urge that they act in a responsible manner.

“If you continue to disregard the rules on overnight camping despite advice from our officers, they will take enforcement action.”

The council says that there has always been a camping ban, however the fines and stricter patrols are part of a summer readiness plan, in place until September, to help deal with the surge of visitors this year.

Introduced in April, the summer readiness plan is a £3.5 million scheme to manage the resort’s beaches, town centres, parks and open spaces. This included the recruitment of an additional 75 seafront staff to "welcome people, keep the beaches clean and safe, and provide a greater security presence."

In June, the council announced it was asking its security teams to carry out “hourly wake up calls” to people sleeping on the beach.

Teams removed 12 groups of campers in Southbourne during the first week, and nine more the next weekend.

More than 400,000 visitors flocked to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole over the hottest weekend so far of 2021, according to the council.