Sovereign Centre launches series of events to bring back shoppers (From Thisisdorset)
When news happens send us your pictures, video and views. Text BE to 80360 or contact us by email
Sovereign Centre launches series of events to bring back shoppers
1:00pm Tuesday 18th September 2012 in Latest By Stephen Bailey
NEW INITIATIVE: The Sovereign Centre at Boscombe
A NEW campaign has been launched to attract people to Boscombe ’s Sovereign Centre.
The new marketing team updated traders, who were concerned street drinkers and beggars are driving people away, at September’s meeting of the Boscombe Business Forum.
There will be three events each month every month on regular days so that customers always know there is something coming.
For example there will be a Band Day with music from local acts on the second Saturday of every month starting from October.
There will also be a ‘Sovereign Senior’s Day’ on the third Tuesday of the month with events aimed at older people including information sessions and tea dances.
However one trader at the meeting said: “Organising tea dances will not stop middle-aged men walking around with cans of beer.”
Others asked why they had to put up with the trouble and asked for crime and anti-social behaviour to be the priority.
Nigel Hedges, chairman of the Bournemouth Chamber of Trade, welcomed the new events but said the traders concerns were serious and needed to be addressed.
Ray McGlynn, centre manager, said: “We are very excited about the new program of events for the local community and visitors to the area to enjoy.
“We are looking forward to bringing all ages of the community together and having lots of fun, while raising awareness of particular issues and providing advice.”
Cat McMillan, the council’s community regeneration officer, offered to give a talk at a future meeting about the ongoing work on crime, but warned: “Our police are already over committed.”
Comments(34)
gurfy
says...
1:29pm Tue 18 Sep 12
Oldalbanian wrote:Seriously?
More fiddling while Rome burns I think
I have just returned from shopping in Sainsburys in Boscombe and having had to use a cashpoint machine am just grateful that I wasn't robbed by the scum who were hanging around in the Precinct
The Sovereign Centre still remains the most depressing (and probably the most dangerous!) shopping experience in the western world.
PositivelyHappy
says...
1:39pm Tue 18 Sep 12
LISTEN TO THE SHOPS WHO HAVE BEEN THERE FOR YEARS AND KNOW HOW TO DEAL WITH IT
rudolph_hucker
says...
1:43pm Tue 18 Sep 12
HRH of Boscombe
says...
1:45pm Tue 18 Sep 12
Oldalbanian wrote:Try East Ham.
More fiddling while Rome burns I think I have just returned from shopping in Sainsburys in Boscombe and having had to use a cashpoint machine am just grateful that I wasn't robbed by the scum who were hanging around in the Precinct The Sovereign Centre still remains the most depressing (and probably the most dangerous!) shopping experience in the western world.
Oldalbanian
says...
1:49pm Tue 18 Sep 12
PositivelyHappy wrote:The most unlikely security guard in Boscombe is the morbidly obese individual who works in Sainsburys
No one in Head office of the Sovereign Centre is listening and in the last year at least have not. The shops work hard at solving crime but if Security are not allowed to do their jobs properly (as they used to ) then how can this be resolved. Events are not going to keep the drunks away, it will just encourage them in.
LISTEN TO THE SHOPS WHO HAVE BEEN THERE FOR YEARS AND KNOW HOW TO DEAL WITH IT
Just quite how he expects to be able to outrun any escaping thief just beggers belief
madman2011
says...
1:55pm Tue 18 Sep 12
Bob49
says...
2:09pm Tue 18 Sep 12
......... hang on, we already have them, they are called community police officers - unfortunately they are neither entertaining of of any use (or interest) in stopping cyclists.
More worthless 'something being done' papering over the cracks.
cherries_fan
says...
2:19pm Tue 18 Sep 12
madman2011 wrote:With respect, have a look around other shopping areas. It is very difficult to attract new retailers anywhere at the moment. We are still in a recession and retail has been particularly badly hit.
what the Sovereign Centre needs is all new staff in the office. the staff in the office now dont know what they are doing, if they did they would have done something by now to get customers back and new retailers in the empty shops!!!!!!
Clinton Cards, Game, Borders, Barratts, Alexon, T J Hughes, Jane Norman, Habitat, Focus DIY, Floors-2-Go, the Officers Club, Oddbins, Ethel Austin, Faith Shoes, Adams Childrenswear, Thirst Quench, Stylo, Mosaic, Principles, Sofa Workshop, Allied Carpets, Viyella, Dewhursts, Woolworths, MFI, and Zavvi/Virgin Megastore
All gone under in the last 4 years. That does not include the multitude of independent retailers that have failed.
You can not put that all down to Boscombe or the Sovereign Centre
BournemouthMum
says...
3:22pm Tue 18 Sep 12
Oldalbanian wrote:You obviously don't get out much - or get around much then do you if you think Boscombe is 'the most dangerous shopping experience in the western world'? May I suggest you try some parts of London - like Brixton, Peckham, Camberwell and Newham? Then come back and tell us Boscombe is dangerous!
More fiddling while Rome burns I think
I have just returned from shopping in Sainsburys in Boscombe and having had to use a cashpoint machine am just grateful that I wasn't robbed by the scum who were hanging around in the Precinct
The Sovereign Centre still remains the most depressing (and probably the most dangerous!) shopping experience in the western world.
BmthNewshound
says...
3:27pm Tue 18 Sep 12
.
Its clear the Sovereign Centre management rarely venture out of their office or they'd see that the centre's core users would prefer a can of extra strength lager to a cup of tea and a dance.
.
nat-365
says...
3:50pm Tue 18 Sep 12
Ex Community member
says...
3:57pm Tue 18 Sep 12
No matter what they do to try and attract people, it's a place to avoid due to the high volume of crime!
Boscombe was a fab place to live and shop for all your needs! Relying on the privately owned shops too, who are a very friendly bunch!
The market days are fab too, maybe they should encourage more market days, including car boot sales on different days etc...
But I feel the only way to attract more people would be to clamp down on the crime...
Too many beggars, shootings, stabbings, pick pockets etc...
Some of you might say that London is worse, well that's London not Bournemouth, but at this rate while encouraging recovering addicts to congregate around Boscombe area when the % of Rehabilitation that do recover isn't very high, the place is turning into a mini London!!!
pete woodley
says...
3:58pm Tue 18 Sep 12
muscliffman
says...
4:54pm Tue 18 Sep 12
Job done.
ol'bag lady
says...
5:06pm Tue 18 Sep 12
We don't want the experience of London - thats why we live in Bournemouth - but it is worrying that it is fast becoming similar. We don't want to get out much but when we do let us enjoy our leisure and not be made to feel afraid.
penhale
says...
5:36pm Tue 18 Sep 12
cherries_fan wrote:Gotta disagree, Castlepoint is doing ok and always packed, West quays and gun wharf is also packed and doing well.
madman2011 wrote:With respect, have a look around other shopping areas. It is very difficult to attract new retailers anywhere at the moment. We are still in a recession and retail has been particularly badly hit.
what the Sovereign Centre needs is all new staff in the office. the staff in the office now dont know what they are doing, if they did they would have done something by now to get customers back and new retailers in the empty shops!!!!!!
Clinton Cards, Game, Borders, Barratts, Alexon, T J Hughes, Jane Norman, Habitat, Focus DIY, Floors-2-Go, the Officers Club, Oddbins, Ethel Austin, Faith Shoes, Adams Childrenswear, Thirst Quench, Stylo, Mosaic, Principles, Sofa Workshop, Allied Carpets, Viyella, Dewhursts, Woolworths, MFI, and Zavvi/Virgin Megastore
All gone under in the last 4 years. That does not include the multitude of independent retailers that have failed.
You can not put that all down to Boscombe or the Sovereign Centre
Boscombe has a reputation, the car park is expensive and filthy, the lift and stair wells stink of urine and the place is laden with dunks, druggies, beggars and quite frankly the scum of the earth, until it's seriously cleaned up it is going to fail.
manyogie
says...
5:51pm Tue 18 Sep 12
I walk to my local Sainsbury, I walk to my local Wilkinsons, I wont drive and pay to park to go to 'mundane' stores.
If you had a John lewis, or a Gap I would drive there.
Putting it very bluntly, your portfolio of shops is lacklustre, and, without prejudice, is composed in the main of low end high street outlets who attract a more money conscious clientel that by their very nature will not regard a trip out for basics as a 'treat'
Your in the middle of an area that attracts custom for high end goods, not high street tat.
Ex Community member
says...
5:54pm Tue 18 Sep 12
penhale wrote:I suppose the best venue that could be offered is free parking too, Aldi take advantage of Boscombe visitors, fining them if they don't obey the vehicle registration game!!!
cherries_fan wrote:Gotta disagree, Castlepoint is doing ok and always packed, West quays and gun wharf is also packed and doing well.
madman2011 wrote:With respect, have a look around other shopping areas. It is very difficult to attract new retailers anywhere at the moment. We are still in a recession and retail has been particularly badly hit.
what the Sovereign Centre needs is all new staff in the office. the staff in the office now dont know what they are doing, if they did they would have done something by now to get customers back and new retailers in the empty shops!!!!!!
Clinton Cards, Game, Borders, Barratts, Alexon, T J Hughes, Jane Norman, Habitat, Focus DIY, Floors-2-Go, the Officers Club, Oddbins, Ethel Austin, Faith Shoes, Adams Childrenswear, Thirst Quench, Stylo, Mosaic, Principles, Sofa Workshop, Allied Carpets, Viyella, Dewhursts, Woolworths, MFI, and Zavvi/Virgin Megastore
All gone under in the last 4 years. That does not include the multitude of independent retailers that have failed.
You can not put that all down to Boscombe or the Sovereign Centre
Boscombe has a reputation, the car park is expensive and filthy, the lift and stair wells stink of urine and the place is laden with dunks, druggies, beggars and quite frankly the scum of the earth, until it's seriously cleaned up it is going to fail.
Other shopping places offer free parking like you say Castlepoint is free to park, Industrial Estates are free to park, also other Supermarkets like Adsa and Tesco, excluding Sainsbury's!!! But for some reason you risk your life shopping at Bos Vegas to get robbed while your there!
Bournefre
says...
5:58pm Tue 18 Sep 12
For some reason security guards seem to have a problem with asking anyone to leave nowadays, except children who aren't really causing a problem other than loitering.
Bob49
says...
6:13pm Tue 18 Sep 12
Keep the Sovereign Cente lits and stairs clean, Put better/brighter lighting in the car parking area. Reduce the cost of car parking - or simply target certain days times etc rather than nonsensical tea dances etc
Get the basics right and you might start to see a difference.
pete woodley
says...
7:13pm Tue 18 Sep 12
rip off,tidy up the car park and bring prices down,and keep an eye out for the teenagers who not only try shoplifting but look out for loose handbags and shopping bags,having been a security guard for many years,i see it often.I would like to see more seats for the elderly and disabled,but fear this would attract the dossers,etc.Just an idea,but would a creche be used,to help young mums ?.
Bournefre
says...
7:43pm Tue 18 Sep 12
If security guards are told to get rid of teenagers you can guarantee they'll pick on the soft targets - good kids out spending their hard earned pocket money, leaving a shopping centre with a few chavs in it but no customers. I think a creche for teenage single mothers is a step in the wrong direction as well - "can you watch the baby while I hang out with my mates in McDonalds then have a few in Greens?"
street warrior
says...
8:14pm Tue 18 Sep 12
And whats happened to the lady who is giving out cakes? Whose rediculous idea is that? when theres, prostitues, druggies, gang warfare, drug dealing is rife on the streets of boscombe, some Mrs beeton wants to hand out "Battenburg Cake" to make things better, struth has no one the sense these days!!
street warrior
says...
8:18pm Tue 18 Sep 12
CherrySi
says...
8:25pm Tue 18 Sep 12
Bob49
says...
9:39pm Tue 18 Sep 12
'Let them eat cake'
More disturbingly is that there are people being paid to come up with these crackpot schemes - when the real cause is staring them in the face.
I'm not too sure where these pensioners are supposed to be dancing - in the numerous empty shops perhaps, or how the halfwit behind this buffoonery thinks it will drum up more trade either.
But it will be yet another scheme that will die a death - though not before some idiot councillor is pictured grinning inanely into the camera, and boxes will be ticked ......
.................. but left to rot if they have been dumped in Hawkwood Road car park.
Sort the basics out. Stop paying ludicrous rents to house the country's junkies. Stop the blatant drug dealing around the MacDonalds area or the precinct and surroundings. Put decent lights in the Sovereign Centre car park and remove every beggar and charity chugger so folk aren't pestered or made to feel uncomfortable.
That doesn't require grants or extra budgets. It just requires the police, the council and councillors to do their job. After all, that is what they are paid for, aren't they ?
West Howe Sean
says...
10:50pm Tue 18 Sep 12
Oldalbanian wrote:Get a life, your attitude is unbelievable. If you feel like this why do you go there?
More fiddling while Rome burns I think
I have just returned from shopping in Sainsburys in Boscombe and having had to use a cashpoint machine am just grateful that I wasn't robbed by the scum who were hanging around in the Precinct
The Sovereign Centre still remains the most depressing (and probably the most dangerous!) shopping experience in the western world.
West Howe Sean
says...
10:56pm Tue 18 Sep 12
pete woodley wrote:Its no more dodgy than any other place.
It is a dodgy place, my wife was indecently assaulted 3 years ago,and its still full of unsavory characters,and young terrors.Security is a laugh,hardly see a copper,and security guards,couldnt "catch a cold",and the car park at night is a risk,no better than when i patrolled a few years ago.
southbourne lover
says...
8:44am Wed 19 Sep 12
Upkeep
says...
8:51am Wed 19 Sep 12
HRH of Boscombe
says...
11:58am Wed 19 Sep 12
ol'bag lady wrote:It's not similar, that's the point. Boscombes just full of drunk and druggies. A lot of deprived London Boroughs have many organised gangs who spend all day everyday mugging and robbing people and won't hesitate in trying to kill you if you get in the way.
BournemouthMum: We don't want the experience of London - thats why we live in Bournemouth - but it is worrying that it is fast becoming similar. We don't want to get out much but when we do let us enjoy our leisure and not be made to feel afraid.
ol'bag lady
says...
12:54pm Wed 19 Sep 12
HRH of Boscombe wrote:The many organised gangs that London have are not all Londoners - most are from other towns and many more are from other countries. Don't you think we have them here?
ol'bag lady wrote:It's not similar, that's the point. Boscombes just full of drunk and druggies. A lot of deprived London Boroughs have many organised gangs who spend all day everyday mugging and robbing people and won't hesitate in trying to kill you if you get in the way.
BournemouthMum: We don't want the experience of London - thats why we live in Bournemouth - but it is worrying that it is fast becoming similar. We don't want to get out much but when we do let us enjoy our leisure and not be made to feel afraid.
s-pb2
says...
3:04pm Wed 19 Sep 12
Yes I am well aware of Boscombe's problems, and am very aware of Cafe Nero's clientelle who are now occupying the cafe in Sea Road with the Jamaican flags. Im also aware of the decrease in the quality of stores in the area, although the Royal Arcade is very much on the up now.
But to have community style events in the shopping centre is a positive move, and one I would fully support. Boscombe is being claimed back by the people, and this is another step in the right direction.
Oldalbanian says...
1:12pm Tue 18 Sep 12
I have just returned from shopping in Sainsburys in Boscombe and having had to use a cashpoint machine am just grateful that I wasn't robbed by the scum who were hanging around in the Precinct
The Sovereign Centre still remains the most depressing (and probably the most dangerous!) shopping experience in the western world.