Residents living in a premium community on the south coast have become incensed by a long line of campervans parked directly outside their homes. 

Locals argue that the 20 vehicles which have settled on a cliff-top road at Boscombe and Southbourne, Bournemouth, are turning ‘what was once a scenic, peaceful stretch of coastline into an unmanaged long-stay parking zone’.

Those living in the vans do not pay council tax or even parking charges, something that residents of the nearby £1million homes have described as unfair. 

Some have also complained about feeling uncomfortable when walking by the vehicles at night.  

A petition has been signed by more than 340 residents who are calling for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council to take action in a bid to remove the vans that park up for ‘months at a time’.

It reads: ‘A growing number of vans, motorhomes, caravans and converted vehicles have been parking long-term along the Overcliff, often remaining for weeks or even months at a time.

‘What was once a scenic, peaceful stretch of coastline has increasingly become an unmanaged long-stay parking zone.

‘Despite repeated complaints from residents, BCP Council has not taken effective action to prevent or manage this issue.

Residents living in a premium community on the south coast have become incensed by a long line of campervans parked directly outside their homes

Locals argue that the 20 vehicles which have settled on a cliff-top road at Boscombe and Southbourne, Bournemouth, are turning ‘what was once a scenic, peaceful stretch of coastline into an unmanaged long-stay parking zone’

Those residing in the vans do not pay council tax or even parking charges, something that residents living in the nearby £1million homes have described as unfair

‘This is causing visible and measurable decline in the area.’

Issues such as obstructed views, reduced parking availability, visual deterioration of a premium seafront area and loss of community feel have been listed by frustrated locals. 

They claim there is a ‘decreasing sense of value and fairness, especially while paying premium council tax’ at the plush seaside location. 

‘BCP Council must not stand by while a premium Bournemouth neighbourhood declines,’ the petition continues. 

The residents are calling for enforcement action, including timed bays and overnight parking bans to deter the long-term parking.

Meanwhile, Dorset Police is investigating after dozens of prized beach huts on the promenades below the cliffs were broken into.

Distraught hut owners reported padlocks being cut and hasps jemmied, as well as items being stolen and contents damaged. 

Decking has also been set on fire during the spate of 27 incidents along the short stretch at Boscombe and Southbourne in recent weeks.

Hut owner Scott Blackiston found his cabin ‘ransacked’.

Mr Blackiston, who spends more than £2,000 a year on the unit, criticised the police and council for not doing enough to put an end to the break-ins.

He said: ‘Police and the seafront team have been informed. They know it’s happening and are allowing it to continue.’

He also complained that the lights on the promenade ‘are never on’ and there is ‘no protection’.

Ann Gerrard, chairperson for Bournemouth Beach Hut Association, said: ‘We have no idea who it is, but whoever it is has professional lock cutters.

‘The council has to take some responsibility when it comes to a massive spate like this.’

The council said they were working with beach hut licensees to do repairs.

Cllr Richard Herrett said: ‘We are very disappointed to hear about the recent beach hut break-ins in Southbourne.

‘This is obviously distressing for hut owners and undermines the sense of safety and community that we want for our seafront.

‘Our teams have been liaising closely with the affected licensees and Bournemouth Beach Hut Association, ensuring that any necessary repairs or security measures are put in place as quickly as possible.

‘We take incidents like this extremely seriously and will continue working with our partners and local residents to help prevent it happening again.’

Dorset Police said it received a report of a burglary at a beach hut in Manor Zig Zag in Bournemouth on February 19.

Enquiries are said to be ongoing and no arrests have been made.