Residents from across Bournemouth have joined forces with their MP and the Council Leader to shape a shared action plan for the town centre.
Almost forty people took part in the fourth meeting of the Bournemouth Town Centre Citizens’ Panel, which focused on practical ideas to make the area safer and more vibrant for everyone.
Set up by Bournemouth West MP Jessica Toale and BCP Council Leader Millie Earl, the panel includes residents chosen at random to reflect the local community’s diversity.
Initial suggestions included introducing more street art, encouraging volunteering, and building stronger links with large businesses and universities. Safety was a key concern, with several residents speaking about their experiences of feeling unsafe in the town.
Jessica said it was vital to listen to those concerns and praised the group’s drive to create solutions together. Millie added that she was encouraged by the panel’s enthusiasm to work in partnership and strengthen community involvement.
Councillor Hazel Allen also attended, sharing insights from her work with Healthbus, which provides healthcare for people experiencing homelessness. The meeting heard that BCP Council had received an extra £2.2 million from the government to help tackle homelessness locally.
Paul Kinvig from Bournemouth Town Centre BID highlighted the changing face of the high street and the importance of ongoing investment and innovation.
Its final session, led by Feria Urbanism’s Richard Eastham, will take place next month, with the completed action plan expected by the end of the year.
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