William Eichler 12 October 2022

BCP Council bans protests around abortion clinic

BCP Council bans protests around abortion clinic image
Image: Koca Vehbi / Shutterstock.com.

BCP Council has agreed to implement a buffer zone around an abortion clinic in Bournemouth to prevent protestors from harassing women and staff.

The local authority has confirmed that a public spaces protection order (PSPO) will be in place from tomorrow around the British Pregnancy Advice Service (BPAS) clinic in Bournemouth.

BPAS has in the past criticised the council’s apparent reluctance to introduce a PSPO around its Bournemouth clinic.

BPAS chief of staff Rachael Clarke said her organisation first approached the council in 2017 and has since shared more than 600 pieces of evidence regarding harassment outside the clinic.

Following a two-month consultation, portfolio holder for community safety, Cllr Bobbie Dove, yesterday announced that the local authority would now introduce a buffer zone.

‘Whilst we acknowledge the right of anyone to conduct a peaceful protest, we had to balance this against the distress caused or likely to be caused, and the detrimental impact of behaviours experienced by those accessing medical services or doing their jobs,’ said Cllr Dove.

‘The conclusion I arrived at is a balanced and proportionate decision that will benefit the clinic’s users, its staff and the residents living on roads that surround the clinic. I thank everyone who either took part in the consultation, or wrote to me, for their time and views on this very difficult and sensitive matter.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Specialist Customer Service Officer

Oxfordshire County Council
£31,537 - £34,434 per annum
Are you passionate about helping others and making a real impact in your community? We’re looking for Specialist Customer Service Officers to join our dynamic Contact Centre team, the first point of contact for a wide range of essential services acros Oxfordshire County Council , County Hall, Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Cook

North Yorkshire Council
£13.47 - £14.13 per hour
Are you keen to join a friendly team who are committed to making a real impact in their local community? Lancaster, Lancashire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Catering Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £12.65 per hour
We have an opportunity to join our award-winning Facilities Management catering team. North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Employment Vetting Officer

Essex County Council
£26090.00 - £30693.00 per annum
Employment Vetting OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£26,090 to £30,693 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Social Worker Level 2

Royal Borough of Greenwich
PO3 - £45,750 to £49,056
We are pleased to inform you that an opportunity for a Level 2 Social Worker has become available Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich
Linkedin Banner