Hoteliers launch campaign 'shining light' on town

Hoteliers said they wanted to "shine a light" on Bournemouth

Hoteliers in Bournemouth are launching a campaign to dispel "negative" perceptions of the town.

The BH Area Hospitality Association (BAHA) said its "upbeat" Check In – Chill Out marketing campaign had been created to showcase the best of Bournemouth.

The area has seen a number of high profile incidents in recent years, including the murder of Amie Gray and the body parts of a murdered lodger being found in a suitcase.

Association chair Rosie Radwell said the town faced "social challenges" but problems had been "exaggerated beyond recognition".

The town is best known as a tourist destination for millions of people, but this summer Bournemouth has been at the centre of a debate on how the streets are kept safe.

It comes a year Bournemouth East MP Tom Hayes highlighted issues about the security of women in the town centre.

Meanwhile PC Lorne Castle was dismissed for the way he arrested a 15-year-old boy in Bournemouth.

But Dorset Police said there had been an 18% reduction in anti-social behaviour across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole compared to last year.

The force has upped its officer presence on the seafront this summer, before announcing it did not endorse a new group of volunteers who began patrolling the town at night.

With a focus on crime and prevention in the town, Ms Radwell said the BAHA campaign was about "reclaiming our story".

She said: "[It's about] reminding ourselves how fortunate we are to live and work here, and shining a light on the wonderful experiences awaiting visitors."

'Tide turning'

Tim Lloyd, director at the Captains Club Hotel in Christchurch, said they were not "ignoring certain issues" and the group was "not wearing rose-tinted glasses".

He added: "The media spotlight has been skewed. For those unfamiliar with Dorset, the coverage simply doesn't reflect reality."

Ms Radwell continued: "We need to challenge the recent coverage that has painted an unfairly bleak picture.

"We want that positivity to spread and when visitors feel it too, the whole community benefits. We can definitely feel the tide turning, people have had enough of the negativity."