Bournemouth Citizens Panel:

1
Report Of Key ResultsSeafront
ServicesBournemouth Borough CouncilCitizens
Panel Survey 17February 2006
2
key messages

• Bournemouths seafront is a popular and important
  local facility, being used at least monthly by a
  majority of residents throughout the year, and is
  no doubt a significant attraction for visitors.
• It tends to be used more often by residents
  living nearby, younger people and those
  performing specific activities (especially
  males).
• Residents use Bournemouth seafront, rather than
  others, for reasons of convenience, cleanliness
  and attractiveness, so no major changes in
  presentation and maintenance are required.
• Facilities, events and staff are not a major
  reason for visiting currently. This reflects the
  simplicity of activities undertaken at the
  seafront (most walk or sit) and suggests there is
  little need for more or improved facilities and
  services.
• The most popular improvements requested by
  residents related to issues of cleanliness
  (toilets and litter bins), the provision of more
  special events, and safety and security
  (policing, CCTV and lighting).

3
methodology

• Bournemouth Citizens Panel is a representative
  sample of over 1,000 local residents set up for
  Council consultations.
• This survey aimed to assess residents usage of
  Bournemouths seafront, and investigate their
  views of possible developments.
• Other questions asked about transport, Council
  communications and a proposed casino development.
• Used a postal/e-mail questionnaire with a single
  reminder.
• Fieldwork conducted in January and February 2006.
• Around 700 questionnaires returned by adult
  respondents.
• 70 response rate to the survey, meaning that
  results accurate to within maximum margin of
  /-3.7.
• Panel survey data weighted by age group, gender,
  Ward area and socio-economic group.
• Supporting intelligence has also been sought from
  other sources of data, namely the Beach Survey
  2005 (summer) and Customer Satisfaction Survey
  2006 (winter).

4
use of the seafront
using gt monthly

• Over three quarters of respondents (78) reported
  visiting the seafront more than monthly during
  the summer, and around two thirds (64) at a
  similar frequency in the winter months, and so we
  can conclude that it is well used.
• There was a high correlation between those using
  it frequently at other times (i.e. those using it
  frequently during the summer also tended to do so
  in the winter), with those aged 25-34 years and
  living in the south west of Bournemouth most
  likely to visit frequently.
• Those living in the central area also reported
  visiting more frequently in the summer, and males
  more frequently than others in the winter.
• Those living in the north west, aged 65-74 years
  or with a disability were the lowest user groups
  in both summer and winter.

5
reasons for using Bournemouth
citing reasons fro using Bournemouths seafront

• This graph shows the top six reasons respondents
  choose to visit Bournemouth seafront rather than
  another elsewhere.
• Around three quarters (74) use it because of its
  convenience to them, whilst just over two thirds
  valued its cleanliness (65) and attractiveness
  (60).
• Around four out of ten respondents (42) found it
  easy to reach, with just over a third each citing
  its atmosphere and safety (both 36).
• There is good agreement here between users at all
  times of year, suggesting that the motivators do
  not change seasonally.
• The only significant differences between
  respondent groups were that those in the north of
  the Borough did not find the location as
  convenient.

6
reasons for using Bournemouth
seafront it for these activities

• This graph shows the bottom six reasons for
  choosing to visit Bournemouth seafront rather
  than another elsewhere.
• Over a quarter mentioned the bars and restaurants
  in the area (28) and the special events (27)
  hosted at the seafront.
• Just under a fifth cited the facilities for
  adults and children (both 18), whilst only
  around a tenth (12) gave the seafront staff as a
  reason for visiting.
• Again, there is good agreement here between users
  at all times of year, suggesting that the
  motivators do not change seasonally.

7
purpose of visits
seafront it for these activities

• This graph shows the seven main activities
  undertaken by visitors at the seafront, with some
  marked differences in use throughout the year.
• In summer walking (75) and sitting, relaxing or
  playing (65) were by far the most common.
  Walking was also very common in the winter months
  (80), but very few reported visiting for sitting
  and relaxing (12) or special events (13) during
  winter.
• Other activities, including beach and water
  sports, and using the amusement arcades, were
  mentioned by a small minority (under 10 all
  year).
• Those aged 18-34 reported using the seafront for
  a far wider variety of activities, especially
  exercise, sitting and playing, and visiting bars
  and restaurants. Older respondents (usually aged
  over 55) were conversely less likely. Those with
  a disability were less likely to exercise there.

8
changes would like to see
liking to see changes

• Almost all respondents (93) requested some
  changes to the seafront area from the list given,
  although only a minority nominated each one.
• This graph shows all those chosen by a fifth or
  more of respondents.
• Over a third opted for cleaner toilets (47),
  more special events (44), more litter bins
  (41), better policing of the rules (39), more
  or improved CCTV (39) and better lighting in the
  evenings (33).
• There were no significant differences in opinion
  between frequent users in summer and winter, and
  between infrequent users, highlighting their
  universal appeal.

9
other comments

• When asked for any other comments or suggestions
  they may have most Panel members referred to
• The popularity of the seafront with residents and
  visitors.
• The need for improved cleanliness and litter
  measures.
• Problems with parking in the summer and lower
  rates for residents.
• Arguments for and against cycling restrictions.
• The need for new or improved seafront facilities
  and street furniture.
• Complaints regarding the IMAX theatre building.
• Enquiries about the progress of the Boscombe Spa
  and reef development.
• Problems with dogs on the beach and dog fouling.