Beaten up by a gang of twenty (From Thisisdorset)

come on lets get the same people as always saying Bournemouth is not that bad, i used to run a bar in the town centre, It really is that bad, you have to be blind not to see it!!!

Its not bad - its absolutely terrible. If you are 14 or on a stag weekend its great but if you live here you just avoid it........

Fir Vale Road was this year named the sixth most violent road in the country by the research body UKCrimeStats.

So Bournemouth at night is not that bad is it.
What big men these lot are when it takes twenty of them

But according to Clr. Filer its only that way because of the Taxis that used to rank there, what a load of tosh,at least when the taxis were there, security could get the injured party away from the scene where-as now they have to run a gauntlet one way or the other down Fir Vale road.

Just a disgusting way to go about your life. What a lovely bunch families must be so proud.

Yay go 'Night time economy' remember that according to the council the town will go bust without these thugs buying their booze here.

I do hope the lad recovers well but why would you want to get in the paper for getting beaten up?
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The article says six have already been arrested. Surely you would want to keep it a private matter to just move on now.

Yeah! Night life is the worst and brings nothing to the town! Let's stop spending money on improving the area, that will almost certainly stop thugs going out in town.

While were at it, lets get rid of all the late licences, because I very much doubt that people would start drinking in public, and it's not as if the town needs any income from the bars and clubs!

Countdown to a death on the street before anything happens to counter this growing problem.......I predict at least one death in the next few months.

How bad does crime have to get until Dorset Police do something about it? Stricter control on licensed establishments would be the first step. Age restrictions and closing at a more reasonable hour would be welcome.

In the 60's I often used to walk from the town centre to Ensbury Park after missing the last bus at 11 or having spent all my money. Never had a problem. I would never venture into the town after dark and rarely go there during the day. The whole place is tacky.

It's what they call Bournemouth's Vibrant Night-time Economy!
The club owners pocked the money and the local tay-payer pays for the clean-up.

HRH of Boscombe wrote:
I do hope the lad recovers well but why would you want to get in the paper for getting beaten up?
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The article says six have already been arrested. Surely you would want to keep it a private matter to just move on now.

I am proud of him for letting the town know what people are like.Scott being in the echo may well save someone else from a beating!! or at least make people more aware!!!! so why should he keep it private!! and yes he is getting better

mum2000 wrote:

HRH of Boscombe wrote: I do hope the lad recovers well but why would you want to get in the paper for getting beaten up? . The article says six have already been arrested. Surely you would want to keep it a private matter to just move on now.

I am proud of him for letting the town know what people are like.Scott being in the echo may well save someone else from a beating!! or at least make people more aware!!!! so why should he keep it private!! and yes he is getting better

I doubt it will prevent any of next weeks scuffles. He really does have my sympathies but I think he may regret letting everyone know about it in time especially in a small town.
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I've been in the same state a few times in Ldn and Bmth in my youth. Some my fault, some not my fault but best to lay low until your better, then just get on as normal.

High Treason wrote:
In the 60's I often used to walk from the town centre to Ensbury Park after missing the last bus at 11 or having spent all my money. Never had a problem. I would never venture into the town after dark and rarely go there during the day. The whole place is tacky.

so very true yet according to a commenter on another topic, life is better than 50 years ago, who for ? Best wishes to the lad!

this sort of stuff sickens me, violence is a terrible thing. there are so many angry and aggressive people out there these days, trying to prove themselves but they are all shameless low life scum that have not been brought up correctly and have absolutely no idea or thought of the consequences of their reckless loutish behaviour. I hope the idiots that did this get punished and that the law toughens up to deal with this sort of stuff.

Surely there is enough evidence available to show what a dangerous place Bournemouth has become. Clearly going out at night in the town should be seen a calculated risk. Whether one is going to be irresponsible and take the risk or not is the question. Most people in their right senses would have the answer. Anybody else must be prepared for the consequences. Please dont keep blaming the Police or the Council, they are not the ones beating people up. Face the facts and make appropriate and sane decisions.

Moral of the story (and I'm surprised people still don't get this) is stay clear of Bournmouth after dark. It's not a nice place......

The moral of the story is that this sort of stuff goes on all over the world and it is wrong. its a free society and we should be able to come and go as we please without living in fear of aggressive thugs

"Please dont keep blaming the Police or the Council, they are not the ones beating people up."

But they are the ones issuing the licenses

The ones who granted a license to a club, under the absurd and fatuous 'night time economy' euphemism.The owner has gone bankrupt (again) within two weeks of that license being granted.

There appears no oversight or appropriate concern. Someone is making a fair packet of of this carnage - and it is not locals who are subsidising it through the policing and cleaning costs.

And consequently also losing the amenity of that part of town that could provide a vibrant and diverse attraction, rather than a squalid warzone.

Some of the clubs there are licensed to 4am?? Why the need to be open so late??

I've seen inside them at this time of night of night is a huge bunch of horribly drunk people. They should have there licenses but to 2am and let everybody go have soem food a go home.

Why not trial earlier closing times and see if it makes a difference to the area? There's no good reason against this.

Alas it will never happen as the council don't listen to the people who pay their wages...who grants these licenses???!!!

I wonder if anyone has ever done a study to find out exactly how much the "Night time economy" contributes to the wider local economy. When you offset the cost of of the extra policing required, the cost to the local NHS trust of dealing with injuries and illness caused by alcohol and the cost to businesses and private residents caused by drunken vandalism, all of which is paid for by the tax payer in one way or another, against the income generated by the industry, it may well show that that the average person benefits very little, if at all. The only people who benefit are the licencees.

merv,fair comment.

Bob49 wrote:
"Please dont keep blaming the Police or the Council, they are not the ones beating people up."

But they are the ones issuing the licenses

The ones who granted a license to a club, under the absurd and fatuous 'night time economy' euphemism.The owner has gone bankrupt (again) within two weeks of that license being granted.

There appears no oversight or appropriate concern. Someone is making a fair packet of of this carnage - and it is not locals who are subsidising it through the policing and cleaning costs.

And consequently also losing the amenity of that part of town that could provide a vibrant and diverse attraction, rather than a squalid warzone.

here here! I am getting fed up with having to pay ever high bills to the Council to keep the place clean.

Licensing times for the clubs is not the issue here. Notice this thuggish attack happened at 12:30am, not 4, 5 or 6am. Doesnt matter what time the local clubs close.

Flembo wrote:
Some of the clubs there are licensed to 4am?? Why the need to be open so late?? I've seen inside them at this time of night of night is a huge bunch of horribly drunk people. They should have there licenses but to 2am and let everybody go have soem food a go home. Why not trial earlier closing times and see if it makes a difference to the area? There's no good reason against this. Alas it will never happen as the council don't listen to the people who pay their wages...who grants these licenses???!!!

I used to work in the Cage back in the day while I was studying. Everywhere closed at 1 then 2 after a while. It was prob worse then!
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If you have a blanket closing time then all then clubs will be turfing out at the same time and that causes more problems.

Every 1 says that Bournemouth is a rough town and voted the 6th most violent town....I work in town and it really isn't as bad as some where like, Portsmouth, London, Manchester etc. We all hear and listen to all the negative andbad things that happen and that's what sticks in our minds but we never hear about how good and respectable Bournemouth really is. Scott was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, i was involved in this incident and was one of the many doormen stopping it from getting even more out of hand. The group involved were from out of town on a night out. Just because this happened in Bournemouth doesn't mean Bournemouth is a bad place, it could of happened anywhere!!!

Bournemouth IS that bad when these types of incidents happen in Bournemouth!
The problem is with these type of idiots who can't handle a simple accidental knock. If I knocked into someone and apologised straight away, I wouldn't expect them to turn round and set on me like that. What has gotten into people? Folk are less tolerant, more irritable and less patient. That goes for young AND old. Oh let me add 'pathetic' to that list as this was no reason to go off on one. They must have been really tough guys...or no, actually, big wussies to need to gather their 19 friends to help.

mgibbs wrote:
I wonder if anyone has ever done a study to find out exactly how much the "Night time economy" contributes to the wider local economy. When you offset the cost of of the extra policing required, the cost to the local NHS trust of dealing with injuries and illness caused by alcohol and the cost to businesses and private residents caused by drunken vandalism, all of which is paid for by the tax payer in one way or another, against the income generated by the industry, it may well show that that the average person benefits very little, if at all. The only people who benefit are the licencees.

Night life provides jobs and income for thousands of people. yes it does need extra policing and nhs resources, but it keeps thousands of people in jobs which in turn gives them money to buy new cloths or other items of shopping which keeps shops in business and other companies its swings and roundabouts. NO clubs means more unemployed people, job cuts for nhs and police forces.

"Just because this happened in Bournemouth doesn't mean Bournemouth is a bad place, it could of happened anywhere!!!”



NO ONE has said Bournemouth is a bad place.

NO ONE has said it is the 6th most violent town.

nd NO ONE is saying that Bournemouth is a rough town either.

What is being said is that parts of the town centre on weekend nights (and often afternoons) are places that are not only disorderly (!), but violent and intimidating.

I believe there is a wider problem than simply the clubs being open late. What is too often overlooked is how much of this binge drinking is done before people head off into town.

A recent survey of some students on here had them stating that they didn't go into town before 11.30/midnight. What does anyone imagine the are doing up till then - drinking tea ? A taxi driver I know has told me many times of picking up groups that are well gone before they have even left their hotel.

Most of it is will be cheap booze from supermarkets or the numerous little 'corner shops' that have sprung up almost everywhere with alcohol sales as their main reason for existing.

This means those hitting the town all too often clueless to the amount they have drunk and little bothered either. Many are in large groups with no care for any consequences as they will be gone the next day.

A start could be made with clamping down on the stag and hen night culture that has slipped down market so much that it nows markets itself on it's cheapness. There's no simple solution, but unless Bournemouth starts to work towards one it may reach a position where a very drastic one is needed instead

Just an observation. If Fir Vale rd is the 6th most violent road in Britain and no doubt the most violent rd in Dorset, why on weekend nights does it not have a permanent police presence ?

Mr Doormen wrote:
Every 1 says that Bournemouth is a rough town and voted the 6th most violent town....I work in town and it really isn't as bad as some where like, Portsmouth, London, Manchester etc. We all hear and listen to all the negative andbad things that happen and that's what sticks in our minds but we never hear about how good and respectable Bournemouth really is. Scott was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, i was involved in this incident and was one of the many doormen stopping it from getting even more out of hand. The group involved were from out of town on a night out. Just because this happened in Bournemouth doesn't mean Bournemouth is a bad place, it could of happened anywhere!!!

Sorry but you are talking utter tosh. I am from London and have also lived in parts of the US (including NY for a short while) and Bournemouth is the most frightening place to be at night time. This is largely because of licenced premises being in such close proximity to each other - among other things. If you really believe what you have said then I can only suggest that you haven't been around much.

I remember Bournemouth being just as bad in the 70's all around the clubs then and all up Old Christchurch Rd before it was pedestrianised. Saw one one guy thrown through a shop window next to what was then called the Spanish Bars. Skinheads would go around in gangs and beat random people up as well. Don't know what the answer is really, suppose it just comes down to poor education and upbringing of these cowardly attackers.

The answer is English yob culture needs to be eliminated (this can begin in the schools and tv etc (shows like eastenders needs to stop glamorizing low life lifestyle)) and like some said a larger police presense and zero tolerance and tougher sentencing.

I would ask if the yobs who carried out this attack were drunk? Also why is such a large group of youths allowed to gather and hang around? It's not as if a group of 18 or 20 youths wouldn't be noticed. Do the club doormen and police liaise? I do think its disgraceful that our town centre should be given over to groups of yobs out for trouble. Decent people have a right to use it also. That being said, when I go to a show I always get a taxi right outside whichever venue I attend so that I dont have to go right into the centre of town.

ILOVEBOURNEMOUTH wrote:
The answer is English yob culture needs to be eliminated (this can begin in the schools and tv etc (shows like eastenders needs to stop glamorizing low life lifestyle)) and like some said a larger police presense and zero tolerance and tougher sentencing.

well said

Telscombe Cliffy wrote:
I remember Bournemouth being just as bad in the 70's all around the clubs then and all up Old Christchurch Rd before it was pedestrianised. Saw one one guy thrown through a shop window next to what was then called the Spanish Bars. Skinheads would go around in gangs and beat random people up as well. Don't know what the answer is really, suppose it just comes down to poor education and upbringing of these cowardly attackers.

I've been here since the early 80s and the area in question has always had a bit of a lairy side to it at night in my opinion, but nowadays it is just getting beyond belief and takes literally nothing to get your head kicked in.

In the 80s you could walk from the Lansdowne to, say, the Square, and encounter loads of lairy people, but now there are much larger concentrations of people in specfic areas, and not much needed to kick things off.

Perhaps their could be a new name for the area between Lansdowne and Square - Lairy Mile.

Hard men when in a group, soft as sh1t when on there own..

Everyone just avoid the town - sod the nightlife and sod the crappy daytime shops..much better in other areas such as Lower Parkstone , Westbourne, Boscombe or Charminister. Think about it - if we spend our money in these outlying areas then we are supporting people who live here.......in the town centre all the multiples and out of town companies have their shops. Lets all keep away until they change the whole ethos of the town and make it a better place to go ?

20 onto 1 what heroes. Bunch of little girls. Put all these cowards away for a long time.

Close all the clubs and bars down is the answer until such times they clean up their acts, and keep tabs on those over doiing it on the drink.
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Of course this will not happen as a number of the Councillors are involved with the clubs in the town as money makers.

Truely shocked by this.

If the yobs get arrested for drunk and disorderly or for a punch up, the next morning they can walk out of the Police Station with an £80 fine, or go to court and get punished with something similar. Make that £1000 minimum a hit for any idiot shown on CCTV squaring up to someone, or throwing punches , or urinating in a doorway and the message might get home. Give then 28 days to pay or 2 weeks in prison if they don't. If a drunk needs treatment from an ambulance,scraped up off the floor in a pool of their own vomit, hit then with a bill for £500. For every hour a pub stays open after 2am, add 50 pence a unit per drink, give the money directly to the council for CCTV and street cleaning, the Police, the Courts and the NHS for cleaning up the mess.

Oh my goodness beaten up by 20 yobs!are you sure he's got a red nose and a black eye!if that's what you look like after a hiding from 20 lads these days then things ain't that bad.I've been on the end of more damage than that off 1 guy a few times!If your gonna traipse round town at this time of night beered up with your pals sometimes things can go pear shaped.
Should have stayed at home or gone home earlier if its so bad in bournemouth.
Anyway I'm glad they've got the lad that inflicted this damage!The chav in the hat isn't it?

I grew up in Bournemouth and have since lived in London and New York. I recently went out in Bournemouth for the first time in years in felt very intimidated, there are groups everywhere looking for trouble. I don't know if it's small town mentality but I felt much safer in the cities.

EGHH wrote:
20 onto 1 what heroes. Bunch of little girls. Put all these cowards away for a long time.

Do you really believe that figure? How many people can get to you at once?
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One or two with a lot of cheerleaders...

I'm sure at the time, this guy's injuries were worse, but if all he got was what is in the pic, he got off lightly considering there were 20 people giving him a hiding! - A handy hint for you Scott - Bournemouth as you have found out is usually busy at that time of night at weekends and although I am not syaing you were at fault in any way, it's a bad idea to go running up a street, especially when you've probably had a few yourself and your own judgement, balance etc may be questionable. If you were walking calmly and had not bumped into someone, things may have been different. I'm not defending the thugs who set on you, just pointing out what you probably already know.

I would suggest to all the folk on here and elsewhere to choose your vote carefully next time we are at local council election stage. Break away from the sheep-like following of your parents/friends/neig
hbours who have all kept the same static councillors & political persuasions in power since the year dot and vote somebody else in who is capable and forward-thinking enough to change things for the better, especially where the local night-time issues are concerned. No point moaning to the local newspaper if you're all scared of change - yes change - change those in power who issue licenses, make decisions etc.

There are some good remedial suggestions on here, and also some very ill-informed and out of touch ones. People like Mr Doorman and myself are in town most if not all weekends and we see things happening at the front end. We also see the reasons why they happen - and also we are aware to keep things in context in terms of what actually goes on etc. It is obvious to us who work in the front line that some of the people on here are only basing their opinions on what they read, hear or more frustratingly, what they want to hear. It is also obvious most of the comments are from people who do not go in to town themselves and are happy to sit at home in their ideal worlds, ready to jump on any ill-informed chance to moan and criticise. But, as they say, that's life and thankfully it doesn't look like our town will return to an outdated centre of bus stations, ice cream parlours and other little used facilities for those who drain on society. Instead, we have to embrace what we have, what is happening and manage it more effectively for all.

Changing opening/closing times won't improve things. If all the bars shut at 12 and all the clubs shut at 2, this will not stop anyone who is determined enough and stupid enough to get drunk and cause trouble. It will just make them do it earlier. Imposing extra costs on the price of drinks won't work either - this has been proven elsewhere.

It's long term attitudes that need to change along with parenting skills andpeople taking more self responsibility. Like I said in another topic, I always wonder if the people who make all the suggestions on here definitely know where their sons/daughters are and what they are doing at weekend nights?

I'm not saying there isn't a problem with violence in the town centre and as disgusting as this attack is; it is relatively rare in my experience. I used to walk home through the town centre and boscombe late after work every night and would always walk home if I had been out in town for a night out and never encountered much of a problem, a bit of lip occasionally but nothing more serious. Yes I was probably lucky, but I find that keeping a low profile and your wits about you is the most important thing, you are also much better sticking to the main roads rather than taking poorly lit side roads or underpasses etc.

Just been listening to a couple arguing in the street outside. Apparently she hadn't texted him for one HOUR - dear oh dear - and he said it was over, right old dingdong. Stupid little things like this, what exactly is important nowadays to young people? Both p***ed out their heads shoving each other - over a text?

These blow ups can start over something as stupid as that....

Send the Alpha Hotels to Afghanistan. Put them in a uniform and combat boots. Maybe that'll teach them what fighting is all about.

Letcommonsenseprevai
l wrote:
Moral of the story (and I'm surprised people still don't get this) is stay clear of Bournmouth after dark. It's not a nice place......

Bournemouth town centre is a revolting place at any time of the day.

Azphreal wrote:
Yay go 'Night time economy' remember that according to the council the town will go bust without these thugs buying their booze here.

Makes you wonder what interest, apart from non-domestic rates, the council has?

Mr Doormen wrote:

mgibbs wrote:
I wonder if anyone has ever done a study to find out exactly how much the "Night time economy" contributes to the wider local economy. When you offset the cost of of the extra policing required, the cost to the local NHS trust of dealing with injuries and illness caused by alcohol and the cost to businesses and private residents caused by drunken vandalism, all of which is paid for by the tax payer in one way or another, against the income generated by the industry, it may well show that that the average person benefits very little, if at all. The only people who benefit are the licencees.

Night life provides jobs and income for thousands of people. yes it does need extra policing and nhs resources, but it keeps thousands of people in jobs which in turn gives them money to buy new cloths or other items of shopping which keeps shops in business and other companies its swings and roundabouts. NO clubs means more unemployed people, job cuts for nhs and police forces.

This must be the saddest response as to why we should keep things as they are regarding night time economy violence.

"...job cuts for nhs and police forces."

I would welcome the news that less police and NHS staff were needed to deal with the results of the violence that is taking place due to the neglectful monitoring of those consuming alcohol at these premises.

We should take a page out of the Americans book and hold the drinks venues accountable for the behaviour of those who drink there.

MrPitiful wrote:
I'm sure at the time, this guy's injuries were worse, but if all he got was what is in the pic, he got off lightly considering there were 20 people giving him a hiding! - A handy hint for you Scott - Bournemouth as you have found out is usually busy at that time of night at weekends and although I am not syaing you were at fault in any way, it's a bad idea to go running up a street, especially when you've probably had a few yourself and your own judgement, balance etc may be questionable. If you were walking calmly and had not bumped into someone, things may have been different. I'm not defending the thugs who set on you, just pointing out what you probably already know.

I would suggest to all the folk on here and elsewhere to choose your vote carefully next time we are at local council election stage. Break away from the sheep-like following of your parents/friends/neig

hbours who have all kept the same static councillors & political persuasions in power since the year dot and vote somebody else in who is capable and forward-thinking enough to change things for the better, especially where the local night-time issues are concerned. No point moaning to the local newspaper if you're all scared of change - yes change - change those in power who issue licenses, make decisions etc.

There are some good remedial suggestions on here, and also some very ill-informed and out of touch ones. People like Mr Doorman and myself are in town most if not all weekends and we see things happening at the front end. We also see the reasons why they happen - and also we are aware to keep things in context in terms of what actually goes on etc. It is obvious to us who work in the front line that some of the people on here are only basing their opinions on what they read, hear or more frustratingly, what they want to hear. It is also obvious most of the comments are from people who do not go in to town themselves and are happy to sit at home in their ideal worlds, ready to jump on any ill-informed chance to moan and criticise. But, as they say, that's life and thankfully it doesn't look like our town will return to an outdated centre of bus stations, ice cream parlours and other little used facilities for those who drain on society. Instead, we have to embrace what we have, what is happening and manage it more effectively for all.

Changing opening/closing times won't improve things. If all the bars shut at 12 and all the clubs shut at 2, this will not stop anyone who is determined enough and stupid enough to get drunk and cause trouble. It will just make them do it earlier. Imposing extra costs on the price of drinks won't work either - this has been proven elsewhere.

It's long term attitudes that need to change along with parenting skills andpeople taking more self responsibility. Like I said in another topic, I always wonder if the people who make all the suggestions on here definitely know where their sons/daughters are and what they are doing at weekend nights?

So there we are folks.

Vote for some unknowns.

Only listen to people who stand in club doorways, as they know. Even if they have a vested interest in keeping the status quo - their jobs.

Most others commenting on here don't know anything as apparently they don't go into town ... 'ill-informed ' was this mystery sage's words. How apt.


And finally we have the bizarre suggestion that you don't do anything that might proke an attack. Just as women were responsible for being raped if they dressed 'provocatively', I suppose.

Maybe Bournemouth town centre is in a worse state than it appears if cranks like this are wandering about. Someone so out of touch that he could come up with this even more absurd thought "an outdated centre of bus stations, ice cream parlours and other little used facilities for those who drain on society"

Ice cream parlours ? Has he been reading too much Enid Blyton ? People who use bus stations are a drain on society ? We have to suppose those who board the bus away from the bus station are not.


The town centre needs cleaning up. It needs to become a vibrant and more upmarket place where the theatres and restaurants can thrive. Where there is a diverse type of culture and entertainment on offer.. Where those out late at night don't feel they are picking their way through Syria.

A bit more Westend and and a considerable lot less deadend.

Bob49 wrote:

MrPitiful wrote:
I'm sure at the time, this guy's injuries were worse, but if all he got was what is in the pic, he got off lightly considering there were 20 people giving him a hiding! - A handy hint for you Scott - Bournemouth as you have found out is usually busy at that time of night at weekends and although I am not syaing you were at fault in any way, it's a bad idea to go running up a street, especially when you've probably had a few yourself and your own judgement, balance etc may be questionable. If you were walking calmly and had not bumped into someone, things may have been different. I'm not defending the thugs who set on you, just pointing out what you probably already know.

I would suggest to all the folk on here and elsewhere to choose your vote carefully next time we are at local council election stage. Break away from the sheep-like following of your parents/friends/neig


hbours who have all kept the same static councillors & political persuasions in power since the year dot and vote somebody else in who is capable and forward-thinking enough to change things for the better, especially where the local night-time issues are concerned. No point moaning to the local newspaper if you're all scared of change - yes change - change those in power who issue licenses, make decisions etc.

There are some good remedial suggestions on here, and also some very ill-informed and out of touch ones. People like Mr Doorman and myself are in town most if not all weekends and we see things happening at the front end. We also see the reasons why they happen - and also we are aware to keep things in context in terms of what actually goes on etc. It is obvious to us who work in the front line that some of the people on here are only basing their opinions on what they read, hear or more frustratingly, what they want to hear. It is also obvious most of the comments are from people who do not go in to town themselves and are happy to sit at home in their ideal worlds, ready to jump on any ill-informed chance to moan and criticise. But, as they say, that's life and thankfully it doesn't look like our town will return to an outdated centre of bus stations, ice cream parlours and other little used facilities for those who drain on society. Instead, we have to embrace what we have, what is happening and manage it more effectively for all.

Changing opening/closing times won't improve things. If all the bars shut at 12 and all the clubs shut at 2, this will not stop anyone who is determined enough and stupid enough to get drunk and cause trouble. It will just make them do it earlier. Imposing extra costs on the price of drinks won't work either - this has been proven elsewhere.

It's long term attitudes that need to change along with parenting skills andpeople taking more self responsibility. Like I said in another topic, I always wonder if the people who make all the suggestions on here definitely know where their sons/daughters are and what they are doing at weekend nights?

So there we are folks.

Vote for some unknowns.

Only listen to people who stand in club doorways, as they know. Even if they have a vested interest in keeping the status quo - their jobs.

Most others commenting on here don't know anything as apparently they don't go into town ... 'ill-informed ' was this mystery sage's words. How apt.


And finally we have the bizarre suggestion that you don't do anything that might proke an attack. Just as women were responsible for being raped if they dressed 'provocatively', I suppose.

Maybe Bournemouth town centre is in a worse state than it appears if cranks like this are wandering about. Someone so out of touch that he could come up with this even more absurd thought "an outdated centre of bus stations, ice cream parlours and other little used facilities for those who drain on society"

Ice cream parlours ? Has he been reading too much Enid Blyton ? People who use bus stations are a drain on society ? We have to suppose those who board the bus away from the bus station are not.


The town centre needs cleaning up. It needs to become a vibrant and more upmarket place where the theatres and restaurants can thrive. Where there is a diverse type of culture and entertainment on offer.. Where those out late at night don't feel they are picking their way through Syria.

A bit more Westend and and a considerable lot less deadend.

I have to congratulate you on your superb twisting of Mr Pitiful's words. His perspective is one I happen to share and it is further supported by the published figures. In 2011 there were 1700 violent crimes in Dorset with 929 of them being commited in Bournemouth town centre, hardly surprising when you consider that Bournemouth makes up a little over a quarter of Dorset's population (or a little over a half if you include Poole and Christchurch). It is estimated that each weekend the town's nightlife plays host to around 50k people (or 2.6M per year). In my experience as a nighttime taxi driver the weekend makes up approx 2/3rds of my weekly takings so it could be 80k revellers per week or 4.1M per year. So with an average of 18 violent crimes per week out of an estimated 80k people the odds are extremely good that you'll not be involved in this type of situation.
This disturbing story is fortunately rare for the vast majority of people enjoying our nightlife.
For those calling for the clubs and bars to foot the police, NHS and clean up bill they already are through business rates and licensing fees which, prior to the change of licensing laws, used to be based on capacity.
Yes I do have a vested interest in the nighttime economy, for which I make no apologies, however I do agree that it should be more 'up market' although I don't believe that this will alter the UK's drinking culture. Only through education will people's attitude towards drinking change.

BournemouthMum wrote:

Mr Doormen wrote:
Every 1 says that Bournemouth is a rough town and voted the 6th most violent town....I work in town and it really isn't as bad as some where like, Portsmouth, London, Manchester etc. We all hear and listen to all the negative andbad things that happen and that's what sticks in our minds but we never hear about how good and respectable Bournemouth really is. Scott was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, i was involved in this incident and was one of the many doormen stopping it from getting even more out of hand. The group involved were from out of town on a night out. Just because this happened in Bournemouth doesn't mean Bournemouth is a bad place, it could of happened anywhere!!!

Sorry but you are talking utter tosh. I am from London and have also lived in parts of the US (including NY for a short while) and Bournemouth is the most frightening place to be at night time. This is largely because of licenced premises being in such close proximity to each other - among other things. If you really believe what you have said then I can only suggest that you haven't been around much.

All due respect but Bournemouth at night time isn't half as bad as a lot of places.It's terrible what happened to this lad but the vast, vast majority of the time you can walk through Bournemouth town centre at night and be perfectly safe. I live in Preston and I can assure you that is a hell of a lot worse than bloody Bournemouth, and there are a lot of places that are a lot worse than Preston, if that puts things into perspective. This coming from someone who frequented Bournemouth town centre at day and night for years, and has also been on the receiving end of violence, but just shedding light that Bournemouth really isn't as bad as a lot of people make it out to be.

So it appears it's ok to have Bopurnemouth town centre as a drunken war zone as taxi drivers make money.

Unfortunately tis rather bizarre post is more notable for what it leaves oyr, than what it says.

It doesn't tell you how much of the taxi work is totally unrelated to drunken stag and hen parties. How much is down to people going to and from the theatre, restuarants or simply those out having a good time.

But never mind we have an even more ludicrous claim, this time being that the bars and clubs already pay the police and NHS through their business rates. So do Beales, Dingles and Debenhams, but we are not told how many of their customers require the same amount of police and NHS time and money.

We are also told that it is all ok because only half of Dorsets violent crimes are committed in Bournemouth, which constitutes a quarter of it's population. What percentage in size is that part of Bournemouth ? 2% perhaps ? And I the Dorset figures are based on the rest of the week not just two nights.

You can twist and spin the figures how you wish glennzill but Bournemouth town centre is now becoming the 'must miss' place. Irrespective of the number of RECORDED violent crimes it is the perception and knowledge of what it is that is keeping people away.

Other than yourselves and the takeaways the only other real finacial beneficiaries of this bottom end of the market carnage is the numerous corner shop off licenses and supermarkets who are selling to those who get tamked up before they hit town.

Meanwhile investment is also staying away as the place slips further and further into the gutter. Waiting for society to change it's culture maybe what a few like yourself want. A backward, clinging onto the past, but for the rest it is time to move forward.

Clean up the mess and turn the town centre into a place when all cultures and entertainment can be catered for and thrive. A town centre busy with people who are spending money, not drunks honking up (and worse) into the gutter, booze they have bought cheaply elsewhere.

Maybe you should get out of your taxi a bit more.

Glenzilla - It's nothing new about Bob49 twisting words - as I said in my post above some people who comment on here do so using opinions based on what they only want to see and hear and Bob49 amongst others is a prime example.

He excels in reeming off carefully chosen and chopped up quotes from various "sources" but when challenged, he usually gets irate and on occasion, has reverted to name calling. I've said it before and I will say it again, it's a lack of debating and communication skills however it all adds to the comedy value.

For the record, I am in the town centre most weekends due to my work, however my job has no connection or dependence on the "night time economy" at all Bob. You got that one wrong I'm afraid. I have no financial interest in it either. My views on this topic and others I comment on are purely my own personal ones and not connected with my job or any other vested interests.
Unlike yourself Bob and what I believe are your family connections with the local council - please correct me if I'm wrong?

I would also be interested to know where his new-found desire to "move forward" has come from? He's usually the first to jump on here slating any new projects outlined for the town. He must have some underlying financial interest about to come to fruition somewhere unless there's something else he's not telling us?

Maybe he should come out from behind is net curtain a bit more and tell us?.

I wish Mr Harron a speedy recovery from his injuries and I hope the incident doesn't put him off enjoying good nights out in his local town centre and all the good things it has to offer.

Bob.... You're not so bad at the spin yourself. I didn't claim that it was ok, I stated that it's not surprising that one of the most densely populated areas of Dorset (at night) has the highest proportion of it's crimes. Bournemouth's high concentration of drinking venues makes it by far and away Dorset's most popular nighttime destination town and seeing as how these same venues are vicariously cited as the cause of these crimes how do you account for the other crimes committed in the rest of the county?
Beales, Dingles and Debenhams don't pay what amounts to hundreds of thousands annually for liquor licenses. Nor do they have door staff who also pay many thousands annually for their licenses. I'm not sure if this is still the case but I know for a fact that 15yrs ago, to cover the cost of litter clearing, all takeaways in Old Christchurch Rd were told that their night cafe licenses would increase from £450 to £5000 per year.
I don't need to get out of my taxi to know that the vast majority thoroughly enjoy Bournemouth's nightlife and that what's reported is hyperbole.