RESIDENTS near the River Stour have voiced their concerns about anti-social behaviour and the risk of fires after fireworks were set off near the Stour Valley Nature Reserve.

This comes after a spate of anti-social behaviour related incidents in the area in recent weeks including a man receiving verbal abuse from two men on a inflatable dinghy on the River Stour and a dog which was poisoned by cannabis during a walk along the river in Northbourne.

Even with the presence of Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre, which works in partnership with BCP Council and the RSPB providing information on conservation in the area, people have expressed their views on the lack of enforcement in the area.

A BCP Council spokesperson said: “Since government guidance has been relaxed we have become aware of a high increase in anti-social issues in this area which unfortunately is similar to other locations across the country.

"We have increased the Ranger team patrols and we are working closely with Bournemouth North Police to resolve these types of issues.

“We are starting to see a reduction in problems and we will continue to safeguard the Nature Reserve from all forms of antisocial behaviour during this challenging time.”

In the last couple of months, the River Stour area has seen a number of public order incidents.

As well as the anti-social behaviour incidents, three dogs were seen attacking a mute white swan at Stour Valley Nature Reserve on Sunday June 7.

Resident Peter Rufus cleared the remains of the fireworks and their boxes, which filled a plastic bag, during his rubbish collection on Sunday morning.

He said: “I am sure this is a single example of what is going on around our area and, indeed, across the country and there does need to be some form of re-education to highlight that this type of behaviour is not acceptable, and as a last resort there is a penalty that can be enforced.

“The sad thing is that most people act responsibly and enjoy the countryside, but it is this anti-social element that drives the people, that treat the area with respect, away.

“That increases the risk of more people using it badly and therefore a fire as we have seen at Wareham Forest, destroying the habitat and years of conservation work."

Although residents say that the individuals that are at fault for the anti-social behaviour are in the minority, they are driving the people that treat the area with respect away.

Peter added: “It is a source of frustration as we do not seem to have the resources to deal with such behaviour.

“In the past, during the School Holidays we have had trouble with exuberant teenagers but this year it has got worse and longer, and it is not just younger people.

“I pray for rain as it is quieter whereas on a sunny, warm day the parties start.”