THE council is launching a public consultation today to decide whether a buffer zone should be placed around a Bournemouth abortion clinic.

Campaign group Sister Supporter Bournemouth have been campaigning for the buffer zone to end harassment outside the BPAS clinic in Ophir Road in Bournemouth.

The group say the Bournemouth abortion clinic is one of the most targeted clinics in the country by anti-abortion groups.

After their petition for a buffer zone gathered over 4,000 signatures, their concerns were taken to full council and a public consultation has now been launched.

BCP Council is asking people for their views on the introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) (also known as a buffer zone or safe zone).

PSPOs are intended to deal with problems that cause harm to the quality of life of the local community, by restricting activity within a specified area.

The three different options for those that agree a safe zone around the clinic should be implemented are:

Option 1 – Safe Zone with no designated area

To exclude all campaigning within a defined geographical area around the clinic.

Option 2 – Safe Zone with a designated area

To exclude all campaigning within a defined geographical area around the clinic, but to include a designated area for campaigners which carefully limits activity within that area.

Option 3 – Safe Zone with two designated areas

To exclude all campaigning within a defined geographical area around the clinic, but include two designated areas for campaigners to gather, with activity within these carefully limited.

There is also an option to indicate if you don’t agree with any of the proposed options.

Councillor Bobbie Dove, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Regulatory Services, said: “A public consultation is the best way to find out how people want concerns about activity close to the Bournemouth BPAS Clinic addressed.

“We are asking for everyone’s opinion on these suggestions. Do people want a safe zone around the clinic, or not? If so, what form of safe zone would work best for the area?

“I ask people to read the accompanying documentation carefully, complete the consultation and share any other ideas that can help guide us towards the right option for the community.”

No decision on a preferred option, or whether to implement the PSPO, will be made until the consultation has ended.

The council will review the results and responses, with a Portfolio Holder decision on how to proceed expected in the early Autumn.

The consultation commenced on Wednesday 20 July and will run for six weeks, closing at midnight on 31 August 2022.

People can take part in the consultation by visiting: haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ophir-road-pspo

Alternatively, people can view a copy of the consultation document and complete a paper copy of the survey by visiting libraries close to the consultation area. See the main consultation page for more details.