My cousin came over from Canada, she grew up in Bmth in the 50’s-70’s and was keen for me to take her into Bournemouth town centre and show her some of the old places where she used to go. I explained to her that Bournemouth had changed dramatically since 1970s. However I was hopeful that our trip into Bournemouth town centre would be a positive one. I haven’t been into Bournemouth town centre myself for several years, knowing that the dynamics have changed. But I was hopeful that the negativity I had heard had been exaggerated and our day would be a pleasant one.
We parked by the pier and walked through the gardens which was fine. However, as soon as we walked down Westover Road, and into the square, I was hugely disappointed and embarrassed that she saw so many empty shop buildings, and a scruffy looking town centre with no character or soul.
We were subjected to E scooters and bikes whizzing past us in the pedestrian part of the square and numerous unfortunate people coming up to us asking for spare change. We all felt quite unsafe walking through the centre. During our 2 hour trip we never saw one police officer on patrol which may have helped.
We had planned on staying in Bournemouth for the whole day, however, finding there was nothing to do and nothing to see, after two hours we moved away from Bournemouth town centre to Christchurch, which was much more of a positive outcome.
My cousin was shocked and surprised at how our local council has let Bournemouth become such a lifeless and uninspirational town centre after having such wonderful tradition and Victorian history.
So how on earth are we going to attract tourists into Bournemouth? I am sure people book to come as on paper it looks like an amazing place. And yes our beaches are stunning but after our experience yesterday, I can’t imagine anybody wanting to return and it must be such a real disappointment for those thinking that Bournemouth has a lot to offer.
So for myself, my experience has unfortunately verified those negative viewpoints of others to the extent that I now know that I will not be going into Bournemouth for any reason at all. My personal belief is that the council is just focused now on the town being a university town, and all resources appear to be directed to either student accommodation and their entertainment.
Our beautiful rich in history and culture town, which was our USP, is now full of closed and derelict shops or cheap tacky souvenir shops.