Inside 'drug capital of the south' where kids avoid sitting on dealers' benches

15 January 2024 , 07:20

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An aerial view of the Boscombe area is pictured (Image: Getty Images)

Part of a popular coastal town has been branded the "drug capital of the south" as children reportedly avoid sitting on benches used by dealers.

Tourists flock to the Boscombe area of Bournemouth, Dorset, for long seaside walks and to enjoy its beaches, though they're unaware locals say the community faces a drug problem.

Although it is near Sandbanks and Southbourne, where million-pound mansions aren’t uncommon, Boscombe has been labelled the "drug capital of the south". Residents say it’s not unusual to see drug deals in broad daylight, and youngsters even know to avoid plonking themselves in certain seats or walking near a specific church.

A retired couple, demanding a change, said they often see queues of people trying to buy opioids snaking the streets. They added: "There's drug abuse and social deprivation and then you come across these beautiful houses not far away that nobody is living in and they're locked up for winter because they are holiday lets. Our neighbour smokes hash all day every day, it permeates the walls. Even in the street, you don't have to walk far and you can smell it. Lots of people seem to be doing it out in the open in the street."

The community has a high street full of popular retailers (Google Maps)

And Linda McGuinness, who has called the area home for decades, said something needs to change - and quick. The 74-year-old carer said: "It's really gone downhill. This used to be a lovely place but now it is spoilt by people doing drugs."

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She told The Sun she doesn't feel safe at night in Boscombe, which has a farmers' market twice a week and plenty of parks and gardens. Her fears were echoed by other long-standing residents, including one mother who has lived in the neighbourhood for 45 years.

"There's a lot of people begging. And there's certain benches that if you sit on them the drug dealers will approach you - my son told me not to sit on a certain bench when waiting for the bus," the mum, who does not want to be named, said. Another resident, according to The Sun, called Boscombe the "drug capital of the south".

Dorset Police say they remain vigilant (Getty Images)

But Labour Councillor George Farquhar, who represents the East Boscombe and Pokesdown ward, said he thought the area was indeed “improving”. He said police and other agencies are making a concerted effort to intercept county lines.

Other residents defended the area, which is in the east of Bournemouth and near Vitality Stadium, home to Premier League club AFC Bournemouth. One wrote online: "Boscombe is a great place to live. There is plenty to see and do here and the high street is lovely." Another said: "Boscombe has plenty of appeal too - I don't think it's that bad."

Dorset Police says the force had started up new programmes and operations to focus on drug-related crimes and issues. Chief Inspector Darren Harris, of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, told The Sun: “We fully recognise the impact drug supply and related activity has on our local communities and we continue to do all we can to identify those involved in the supply chain and disrupt their operations.

“We appreciate that tackling the use of drugs in our communities is not something police can do in isolation and we continue to work with our partners."

Bradley Jolly