THE leader of BCP Council has the local authority's council staff who dealt with an estimated 500,000 visitors to the area over the weekend – setting several unwelcome records.

These included 15 vehicles towed away for illegal parking, more than in the whole of last year; 100 illegal campers removed and a record parking tickets issued.

Council leader Cllr Drew Mellow told a Monday evening committee meeting that he was proud of the effort of council staff – many putting in extra hours and working long days to deal with the influx of visitors.

“We had a hugely busy weekend and our own teams were fantastic – as were our partners.

"I’d like to place on record our thanks for their significant efforts, it is really appreciated,” he said.

During the weekend the council said that:

  • More than 60 missing children were reunited with families.
  • More than 100 illegally camped tents were removed.
  • 70 tonnes of waste was collected in Poole alone.
  • More than 1,200 people used the park and ride service at Kings Park, Boscombe.
  • A record-breaking 1300 parking tickets were issued to those who parked irresponsibly.

Read more about the hectic weekend on the south coast