SKATEBOARDERS and buskers face being banned from Bournemouth town centre if proposed new orders are implemented.

Members of the public are being asked for their views on both activities, which the council believes “may be regarded as detrimental to the town”.

It is running a consultation until Monday, December 4, about proposed Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) being introduced in the town. The consultation is asking residents, businesses, and visitors to Bournemouth to share their thoughts on skateboarding and busking in certain areas of the town centre. Feedback is targeted to a specific area, asking if and when issues arise and how much of a problem they are perceived to be.

Banning the use of skateboards in Bournemouth Square is something which has been discussed by the council for over two years now, after a woman broke her arm after being knocked over by skaters in June 2015.

A PSPO prohibits certain activities in specified areas or ensures that people are required to behave in certain ways in that area.

It is commonly used to prevent or reduce certain activities at different times and people can be fined or prosecuted if the order is breached.

The proposed PSPOs for skateboarding and busking covers a wide area, including the Square, Gardens, Pier Approach, the Triangle, and along Old Christchurch Road.

Councillor David Smith, cabinet member for planning and environment, said: “Due to the many complaints I have received over the years, the council are currently consulting on Public Space Protection Orders which, in effect, will ban skateboarding and busking in many parts of the town centre.

“We want living, working and visiting Bournemouth town centre to be an enjoyable experience. I would like to encourage residents who have a view on skateboarding and busking to make their voices heard by responding to the consultation.”

The Daily Echo spoke to members of the public in the town centre about the proposed bans.

Ted Taylor, from Bournemouth, said skateboarders should be provided with an alternative facility in the town centre.

“The kids can go further out - you've got Kings Park and even Slades Park - but nowhere in the town."

Julie, from Westbourne, said: “I’ve got no issue with buskers but I don't like skateboarders in the Square - is there nowhere else for them to go?"

A busker who was playing outside Debenhams, who did not want to be named, said banning busking was a step too far.

“I don't see how they can do that - I know they've tried to do that in other towns. I don't see what the problem is, if I'm being honest.”