Bournemouth, the once-peaceful seaside gem of Dorset, is at the center of a growing storm.
Locals who once enjoyed calm beaches and a thriving tourist scene now say their community is being transformed—and not for the better.
Two local hotels that once hosted summer visitors have applied to be converted into shared accommodation units, sparking fears that more asylum seekers could soon be moved into the area.
Residents Fear a Shift in the Town’s Identity
Many residents say the town they once knew has lost its charm.
The proposals to convert two Bournemouth hotels into houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) have triggered outrage among locals.
One of the hotels wants permission to accommodate 22 people, while the other plans to house 38.
Locals worry these conversions will increase crime, noise, and anti-social behavior, while lowering property values.
Frustration has already reached boiling point for some.
A group calling itself Safeguard Force was formed earlier this year to patrol the streets at night.
Its founder, Gary Bartlett, said he was shocked by how much the town had changed and felt compelled to take action because of the rise in crime and the lack of visible policing.
Locals Speak Out Against the New Plans
Long-term residents have not held back their opinions.
Seventy-two-year-old Phillip Ray, who lives near one of the proposed HMO sites, said the building had been left to decay and no longer served tourists.
“Do we really need 22 single people sharing one kitchen and dining area? What does that bring to our community?” he asked.
Others echoed similar concerns, saying they invested in Bournemouth because of its reputation as a beautiful, peaceful resort—and fear that could now be lost.
A Growing Divide Between Residents and Policy
The government has promised to stop housing asylum seekers in hotels by 2029, but for many in Bournemouth, that brings little comfort.
Locals believe once hotels stop being used, migrants will instead be placed in HMOs across residential neighborhoods.
Resident Bill Irving expressed worries over safety.
“There are too many young males coming into the country without proper checks,” he said.
“I understand they need help, but moving them into residential areas isn’t the answer.”
Others pointed to a mix of rising drug use, unemployment, and crime that, they say, has accelerated the town’s decline.
Once a Tourist Haven, Now a Town in Turmoil
Bournemouth used to attract tourists from across the UK, drawn by its beaches and vibrant nightlife.
But now, many say the resort atmosphere has been replaced with tension.
Locals recall seeing more fights, thefts, and disturbances.
One resident said visitors staying across from her home vowed never to return after being kept awake by noise and disorder.
“I want my granddaughters to feel safe here,” she added sadly.
Fear and Frustration Spread Across the Community
Reports of violence have further fueled unease.
From stabbings and assaults to vandalism and theft, residents describe a town struggling to maintain order.
One of the most shocking incidents occurred when two women were attacked on the beach by a criminology student, one of whom died.
More recently, a Syrian asylum seeker was accused of raping a woman in a public toilet near the seafront.
Local businesses say they, too, are suffering.
Shopkeepers and takeaway owners describe daily incidents of theft, harassment, and drug dealing.
“We see fights and crazy behavior every day,” said one takeaway worker.
Another claimed women no longer feel safe walking home from work at night.
Vigilantes and Voices of Desperation
The emergence of the Safeguard Force patrol group shows how desperate some residents have become.
Founder Gary Bartlett, who grew up in Bournemouth, said the atmosphere now feels unrecognizable.
“We used to come into town and walk home safely. Now my daughters won’t even visit,” he said.
Meanwhile, residents like Emma O’Hara have pleaded with the council to reject more HMOs, claiming they have already seen too many in the area.
“They bring noise, knife attacks, and vandalism,” she said.
Council Faces Backlash Amid Applications
Despite local opposition, planning applications have been submitted to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council.
One hotel has even requested retrospective approval for operating as a 22-person HMO, while another seeks temporary permission for 38 residents before being redeveloped into flats in three years.
Opponents argue the changes will damage Bournemouth’s image as a tourist destination.
“We need hotels for visitors, not HMOs for temporary housing,” one letter of objection stated.
Others warn that continued conversions could drive businesses away and deepen social divides.
Crime, Decline, and the Struggle for Control
Recent crime data has not helped ease tensions.
Several asylum seekers in Bournemouth have appeared in court for violent offences, including assault and armed attacks.
These cases have heightened fears among residents who already feel unsafe.
One asylum seeker, Jordanian national Ahmad Hani, even said he wanted to return home because he felt unsafe in his government-assigned hotel.
He described poor living conditions, unclean rooms, and an environment filled with hostility and crime.
“There is too much danger here,” he said.
Leaders Push Back on Negative Image
Despite the growing unrest, local officials insist Bournemouth is not the failing town it’s being portrayed as.
BCP Council leader Millie Earl argued that the negative image is exaggerated.
She pointed to data showing declines in crime, homelessness, and anti-social behavior, while highlighting major investments—such as JP Morgan Chase’s £350 million expansion—as proof of economic strength.
“Businesses are still investing, visitors are still coming, and crime is down,” Earl said confidently.
According to her, Bournemouth remains one of the safest areas in the UK, with over 10 million visits recorded during the summer months.
A Town Divided Between Compassion and Stability
Not everyone agrees with the council’s optimism. Conservative councillor John Beesley said the proposed HMOs could damage the town’s core tourism industry.
“These applications may bring short-term housing, but they don’t benefit the local economy,” he said.
His colleague David d’Orton-Gibson, however, offered a more balanced view, noting that HMOs can provide affordable housing if managed properly.
“It’s not about good or bad—it’s about quality and management,” he explained.
The Road Ahead
Bournemouth’s dilemma captures a growing national issue: how to balance compassion for asylum seekers with the stability of local communities.
While the government works to phase out hotels, towns like Bournemouth are left grappling with where these people will go next—and how to keep the peace in the process.
As residents, business owners, and officials debate the town’s future, one thing is clear: Bournemouth’s identity as a charming seaside escape is being tested like never before.