On a bright summer afternoon, Bournemouth’s seafront buzzes with families soaking up the sun, children laughing as they splash in the waves, and elderly residents leisurely sipping tea in vibrant beach huts. This quintessential seaside scene embodies Dorset’s longstanding appeal as a treasured destination.
Yet, just a short stroll inland reveals a starkly different reality. Among the manicured gardens and picnic benches, residents voice deep concerns about discarded needles and groups openly using drugs. Behind Bournemouth’s postcard-perfect image lies a community struggling with drug addiction, homelessness, and antisocial behaviour.
These challenges have deep roots. During the 1980s and 1990s, Bournemouth became known for its numerous drug rehabilitation centres, particularly concentrated in Boscombe. Former councillor Nigel Hedges recounted how addicts were sometimes sent to Bournemouth on one-way tickets from councils across the country, overwhelming local services.
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In 2012, Boscombe alone hosted over 60 drug and alcohol rehab facilities — one of the highest densities nationwide. Recognising an unsustainable burden, local authorities vowed to reduce this concentration. Today, only three residential centres remain: Providence Project, Allington House, and Cornerways.
However, many residents feel the consequences linger. Hedges highlights how numerous addicts remain in the town post-treatment, drifting publicly in distress. He described a decline in the once-thriving town centre, marked by rough sleeping and visible drug use, which led him to close his family-established engraving business after five decades.
Merchants in the Victorian arcade lament increased shoplifting linked to addiction, reflecting the economic toll on local trade. Lawrence Clowery, an independent retailer, criticised the council’s efforts and lamented the missed cultural opportunities despite Bournemouth’s renowned art university.
Younger residents, like Daniel Vaughan Thomas, remark on the stark increase in visible drug use compared to their youth, citing open injecting and thefts as part of daily life.
While some locals cherish Bournemouth’s natural beauty, many express unease about safety, particularly at night. Long-time inhabitants such as Teresa Harrison hesitate to allow their children out alone after dark, and some residents openly criticise inadequate public services and controversial policies like housing asylum seekers in local hotels.
Local leadership remains divided on solutions. Conservative councillor Duane Farr acknowledges the town’s vibrant appeal but stresses police resource cuts and poor maintenance have contributed to increased street crime and open drug use. He advocates for improved lighting, clearer sightlines, and more visible safety officers to restore public confidence.
In contrast, Labour MP Jessica Toale warns against the “rehab town” label, stressing that recent budget cuts to support services have exacerbated issues. She highlights community groups working to fill gaps and calls for better data sharing among councils, police, and residents to coordinate effective responses.
Dorset Police affirm their commitment to securing the seafront, with officers actively patrolling and using powers to curb crime and disorder. Chief Superintendent Heather Dixey underlines that families should feel safe on the beach and that illegal behaviour will not be tolerated.
Today, Bournemouth embodies sharp contrasts. Its pristine beaches, lively markets, and dynamic student population coexist with enduring social problems — a legacy of past policy decisions and current resource constraints. While authorities and community groups strive for progress, many locals remain caught between the town’s sunny allure and its darker realities.