THIS week a senior BCP Council member approved a series of amendments to the local authority's approach to unauthorised encampments.

The changes include static security at the main entrance to King's Park throughout the summer and providing security as unauthorised encampments “where there is evidence of crime, anti-social behaviour, community tensions or for protective factors”.

It also features investment in 'target hardening' to make unauthorised access onto potential sites for encampments more difficult.

In a statement to teh Daily Echo, Cllr Bobbie Dove, BCP Council's portfolio holder for community safety and regulatory services, said: “We want all of our communities and visitors to BCP to enjoy our wonderful area safely and positively.

"During the summer season in 2021, we saw an increase in multi-agency working and responses associated with, and towards, the occupiers of unauthorised encampments.

"We have now agreed an enhanced approach seeing to reduce community tensions. Previous years’ challenges include crime and disorder, reports of community unrest, and a prevalence of flycamping on beaches.

"The approach we are taking to unauthorised encampments this year will support our settled BCP communities as well as serving to protect those groups who visit the area and occupy land without permission.

"The funding for this activity has been identified in the council’s medium term financial plan and our capital funding programme.

"Unauthorised encampments are trespass, and as such proportionate enforcement action is taken by BCP Council and Dorset Police when and where appropriate. The decision taken seeks to enhance our existing response, prevent encampments in high risk areas and introduce a consistent approach to all unauthorised encampments, particularly where there is a high level of public amenity use.

"The decision has fully considered all of the risks and options available to tackle these issues and a balanced decision was taken which seeks to support the correct and legal use of public open spaces and to promote community safety for all as a priority.”