Council Provokes Outrage with New Hostel Plans in Bournemouth
Residents express anger over council’s proposal for a new hostel in Bournemouth, fearing increased crime and declining property values.
Bournemouth, Queens Park, BCP Council, Hostel, Crime, Housing
Bournemouth: The local council wants to change a house into a hostel. The address is 4 Richmond Park Crescent. This house has seven rooms and was bought in 2018 for temporary housing.
Residents are worried. Eddie Gray, who has lived in the area for over 40 years, mentioned problems like drug activities and motorbike racing. He has seen many changes in Queens Park.
Cat Lamond is also concerned. She fears having ex-offenders living there will increase crime. Wendy Bourton believes Queens Park will become run-down if the plan goes ahead. She thinks it will hurt property values too.
Labour councillor Sharon Carr-Brown shared that neighbors feel unsafe. They report seeing drunken people loitering and leaving trash behind. The security team at the house only monitors the property itself.
The council assures that residents will be local and temporarily housed while looking for permanent homes. They promise no drugs or alcohol will be allowed on site.
BCP Council claims the house will have 24/7 staff. They say residents will integrate with minimal impact. They have experience managing similar situations and expect low levels of anti-social behavior.
Finally, the planning committee will decide on the application soon.