A group fighting for a buffer zone to be placed outside a Bournemouth abortion clinic have held a rally in the town centre this weekend.

Volunteers for women’s rights group SisterSupporter gathered in the Square today to petition for a public space protection order to be introduced around the BPAS Clinic in Bournemouth.

The zone would offer clinic users protection from protesters, who are said to regularly gather outside the Orphir Road clinic.

The call follows concerning evidence gathered by staff at the abortion clinic in relation to harassment since 2017.

Read more: 'Buffer zone' needed outside Bournemouth abortion clinic

Jess, a SisterSupporter volunteer who took part in the rally, said: “There are groups that stand outside the clinic and do things that make women feel ashamed, guilty, sinful and judged.”

The group stood in Bournemouth Square from 10am on Saturday, asking passing residents to sign a petition in support of the move.

Jess added: “2000 signatures will trigger a debate with the local councillors at their next meeting. We’re hoping that debate will help get this pushed forward.”