RESORTS like Bournemouth are set to become "no-go areas" for families and older visitors unless they clamp down on drunken behaviour, tourist chiefs will be told today.

Delegates at a national conference to debate the future of British beaches and seaside towns will be warned of the consequences of "escalating litter and rowdy behaviour".

The warning comes just days after councillors ordered the Walkabout bar in Old Christchurch Road to close because of crime and disorder.

The two-day Managing the Coastline conference at Bournemouth's Royal Bath Hotel is being organised by Encams, the charity behind the Blue Flag awards.

Encams director for the south, Amanda Booth, said: "Away from the sand, some resorts like Bournemouth, Torquay and Newquay need to crack down on drunken behaviour if they want to portray themselves as viable places to visit.

"This can be difficult given that some local economies are booming thanks to increased opening hours. Stag and hen nights and a vibrant pub and club scene can bring profile and increased revenue to any town.

"But the escalating amount of litter and rowdy behaviour can make them seem like no-go areas for families and older people.

"Lively resorts need to manage the effects of their night-time economy or risk missing out on thousands of potential investors - especially during the day."

She praised Bournemouth council for its efforts to keep the town's streets litter-free.

"The council puts a tremendous amount of resources into cleaning the rubbish away but maybe the problem should be tackled at source.

"When pubs and clubs are issued with their licences, they should be encouraged to consider the impact on the local environment.

"Pubs and clubs should educate their customers, making them aware that it is not acceptable to litter."

Her views have received a mixed response from hoteliers in the town.

Mike Haslingden, chairman of the Bournemouth Area Hospitality Association (BAHA), and group manager for Forestdale Hotels, said drunkenness in the night-time economy - especially hen and stag parties - has been a concern for some hoteliers, and the BAHA has raised the issue with the police in the past.

However, he said the police have shown by keeping the Friday night fireworks displays safe that they can deal with alcohol issues, and Bournemouth is still seen primarily as a family resort.

"The hoteliers haven't seen a dramatic decrease in the number of people coming with families," he said.

"This is perceived as a clean, safe resort. We do have a good night-time economy with young people as well as older people and families.

"The problem is keeping the balance."

Debbie Utteridge, proprietor of the Rosscourt Hotel and executive officer of BAHA, said it is unfair to say rowdy behaviour is a deterrent.

"I think we have got an excellent resort," she said. "The police and hoteliers work hard to try to ensure that people have a good time.

"I think it is a family resort - although there are sometimes problems with the amount of people on a Friday and Saturday night, these are minimal."

And Cllr Anson Westbrook, chairman of the licensing committee which refused to grant Walkabout a new licence, said Bournemouth is, in the main, very safe.

"If the police produce evidence that one establishment doesn't meet with requirements, then we will crack down, because what we want is a safe town where people can come and enjoy themselves," he said.

Delegates from all over the country will be addressed by Encams chief executive Alan Woods along with senior police officers and anti-crime groups at today's conference.

Encams will unveil new research into who visits the English coast and why.

First published: October 3