Residents call for safer, more inclusive Bournemouth town centre

A new resident-led action plan aimed at tackling safety concerns and reshaping the future of Bournemouth town centre has been launched. 

  

The plan, published this month, addresses the list of concerns raised by citizens and aims to make a change for the area by increasing safety and security and focusing on community engagement. 

 

Bournemouth West MP Jessica Toale set up the initiative alongside BCP Council Leader Millie Earl, with her initial idea for the plan starting over a year ago. 

   

Many stressed the importance of creating a space that supports a wider range of people – including families, older residents and those with disabilities – rather than focusing primarily on the night-time economy. 

   

It was developed through a series of citizen panels and workshops that brought together Bournemouth residents to discuss how the town centre could better meet the needs of those who live, work and spend time there. 

   

The 50 panellists were chosen from a larger pool of 250 applicants and attended sessions held between June and December at Patch. 

  

Speaking at the launch, Jessica Toale said she had heard widespread frustration from residents. 

  

“I’ve spoken to hundreds of people who have all criticised the state of the town centre. They want to feel proud of the place they live. So I knew we needed to do something different, and involve residents at the heart of ongoing plans to revive it.” 

 

“The panel has given us a clear steer on what they want to see in the town centre, and I’m going to do everything I can to help make this happen.” 

  

Organisers say the process was designed to ensure criticisms were listened to and that residents had a direct role in shaping future decision-making. 

  

Participants highlighted a shared desire to make the town centre feel safer, more welcoming and easier to navigate. 

 

Among the priorities outlined in the action plan are improvements to public spaces, better lighting and clearer signage, alongside efforts to encourage a broader mix of cultural, community and independent uses in the town centre. 

  

The document also emphasises improving transport links and walkability to make the area more accessible throughout the day. 

  

While the success of the plan will ultimately depend on how its proposals are implemented, many said the collaborative approach itself marked an important step forward. 

  

The plan acknowledges that not all changes can happen immediately but sets out a series of short and long-term actions intended to guide future decision-making. 

 

Supporters argue that involving residents at every stage could help rebuild trust between the community and local decision-makers after years of debate over the town centre’s direction. 

   

Toale is hoping to further this process and see if it inspires changes in other constituencies, having taken her plans to parliament.