A group of local tradesmen, calling themselves Protect Our Postcode, spent an hour clearing an encampment situated on a cliffside overlooking Bournemouth beach in Dorset. The group stated that they undertook the cleanup themselves after accusing the local council and police of inaction.
The encampment, which has reportedly appeared for the third consecutive summer, consisted of a tent, picnic table, barbecue, bedding, a sofa, armchairs, and a generator. A significant amount of rubbish, including empty beer cans and drug paraphernalia, was also removed. The debris filled an entire transit van.
Frank White, a plumber who led the cleanup, said the presence of the encampment deters tourism, which is vital for the local economy. He also noted that the camp frightens residents and prevents them from accessing beach paths. White stated that the local council and police have been aware of the camp for two to three years and had not taken action.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP Council) had previously installed a wire fence to prevent access to the clearing, but a section had been cut away. While some reports suggested the camp was occupied by homeless individuals, others linked it to asylum seekers housed in a nearby hotel. A video that emerged last week showed a man, who identified himself as being from Gambia, stating he had been staying at the camp after leaving a hotel.
BCP Council condemned the residents' cleanup operation, with Deputy Leader Mike Cox stating that the council was in the process of clearing the site safely. He warned that the cliffs are unpredictable and pose risks of landslips and wildfires, urging the public not to take matters into their own hands. The council is assessing the site for damage and reviewing measures to prevent access to dangerous locations and improve response times to similar issues.
Jo Keeling, a former police officer and community campaigner, also criticized the council's response, stating that illegal encampments damage the environment and blight the area. She argued that such encampments should be dealt with swiftly and not become an accepted part of the summer landscape.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage was also mentioned in connection with the incident, accused of spreading misinformation by reposting a video and claiming 'illegals' had taken over the camp. The beach huts located below the encampment are reportedly valued at £35,000.