Caravans at Kings Park, near AFC Bournemouth’s stadium, in 2022 (Image: Kate MacLachlan/Bournemouth Live)
A coastal beauty spot in Bournemouth has been branded a “no-go zone” by frustrated locals after a group of travellers set up camp in a nearby park — prompting furious complaints related to safety, dumped rubbish, and disruption to community events. The encampment appeared in King’s Park, just minutes from the beach, triggering an outcry from residents who claim the area is being blighted by illegal occupations.
One woman, who has lived close to the park for three decades, said: “It happens almost every year. They turn up, make a mess, and we’re left to clean up when they go.” The latest arrival forced the cancellation of a popular parkrun event, after seven caravans were found parked on a football pitch used by volunteers to stage a weekly 5km run. A spokesperson for Bournemouth Parkrun confirmed the decision in a post online, citing “an illegal encampment on the course”.
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Dorset Police said officers were called out shortly after 9.30am on June 27 and “engaged proactively with those present”.
Runner and local father Dave Goodyear told GB News the cancellation was a blow to the community.
He explained: “It’s not just about the run — it’s about people coming together. That was taken away.”
Labour MP Tom Hayes, whose constituency covers the area, described the situation as “unacceptable”.
He added: “King’s Park is more than just a green space. It’s a shared community asset — a place where kids play, dogs are walked and neighbours meet.
King’s Park is a popular local beauty spot (Image: Google Street View)
“Events like parkrun rely on volunteers and community goodwill. It’s disgraceful that they were forced to cancel. I’ve urged the council to act and ensure this doesn’t keep happening.”
However, residents have pointed out that the problems go well beyond cancelled events.
One woman living near the park said she now avoided it after dark.
She continued: “I don’t feel safe anymore. I won’t let my 19-year-old daughter walk through it at night.”
Others reported vandalism, loud music, dumped tiles and even stolen goods being lobbed over garden fences.
One resident claimed: “They forced their way in, broke something to get access, and then left a giant industrial bin in the middle of the park — it looked like it had been set on fire.”
After several days of complaints, Dorset Police issued an eviction notice under Section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act. Officers confirmed the group left by June 30.
Nevertheless, locals fear it’s just a matter of time before another camp is set up. Some said the travellers simply relocated to another patch of land nearby.
One resident said: “They just moved down the road. Nothing really changes. The damage is done, and then it happens all over again.”
The park, which includes children’s play areas, sports pitches and a skate park, is used by local schools for events and is just around the corner from the Vitality Stadium — home to Premier League side AFC Bournemouth.
Residents said the site has become a magnet not only for illegal camps but for antisocial behaviour with reports of late-night drinking, littering and confrontations adding to tensions.
Another woman said: “There was asbestos found in the woodland. We’ve had litter, broken glass, even human waste left behind. It’s disgusting.”
Some locals have now launched a WhatsApp group to warn each other when problems arise, amid concerns the council has failed to get a grip on the issue.
One resident said: “The council doesn’t seem to know how to handle this. We’re left feeling pushed out of our own park.”
Councillor Kieron Wilson from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council said: “We have clear protocols in place and work closely with Dorset Police to manage unauthorised encampments.
“We understand residents’ concerns and always aim to keep people informed. Public safety remains our priority.”
Residents can report issues via parks@bcpcouncil.gov.uk or call 01202 123432. Any criminal behaviour should be reported directly to police.
King’s Park is one of several areas in Bournemouth to experience traveller incursions this summer.
Other hotspots have included Bourne Valley and Redhill Park, both of which were left strewn with rubbish after similar evictions.