A Purbeck Community has received recognition from the home office for its action in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.

Studland Beach Users Action Group have won a Respect Award for Taking a Stand in recognition of the hard work and commitment that has been put into tackling anti-social behaviour and making Studland a better place to live.

The Taking a Stand Awards is a national award scheme run jointly by the Home Office and Crime Concern. Recipients of the award each receive £1000 to be re-invested back into the community.

Since October 2004 the Studland Beach Users Action Group has been working hard to make Studland a safe, welcoming environment for all beach users. A major aim has been to avoid unintended discrimination due to age or youth, ability or disability, creed, ethnic or racial origin, gender or gender identity or sexual orientation.

Studland is used by a wide range of groups for many different reasons and this has often led to conflict in the past. However following the formation of the Group, agencies such as the Police, Purbeck District Council, Dorset County Council, Studland Parish Council, The National Trust, English Nature, Swanage Coastguard and Dorset Fire and Rescue Service; beach user groups such as Studland United Nudists, British Naturism and Studland Riding Stables; local businesses such as Bournemouth-Swanage Ferry Company and resident groups such as Studland Residents Beach Association have worked together to identify the problems facing the area and to identify solutions to make Studland even safer.

The Group have worked proactively to tackle the inappropriate behaviour of a minority of visitors to the beach as well as other community safety issues in the surrounding area. Some people have wrongly associated naturism with sexual misconduct and the group have worked hard to break down barriers and challenge the negative perception that some people have of naturism. Action has been taken to raise awareness of what is unacceptable behaviour and to promote proper use of this outstanding area through a number of initiatives. Other actions taken have included high visibility police patrols, targeted vehicle crime campaigns and action to prevent over night camping on Ferry Road.

Cllr Gloria Marsh Chairman of the group said ‘it is extremely pleasing that our efforts have been recognised by an external authority. The Group remain committed to taking this good work forward’

ends


Notes for Editors:
The Studland Beach Users Action Group is a partnership group with representatives from Bournemouth-Swanage Ferry Company, British Naturism, Dorset Fire and Rescue Service, Purbeck District Council, Dorset County Council, Studland Parish Council, Dorset Police, English Nature, HM Coastguard Swanage, Intercom Trust, National Trust, Purbeck Community Safety Action Group, Ramblers Association, RSPB, SW Coast Path Association, Studland Residents Beach Association, Studland United Nudists and Studland Riding Stables.

To report or discuss any issues of concern or for further information please contact Karen Jaggs, Community Safety Officer, Purbeck District Council on 01929 557387






Thriving communities in balance with the natural environment
Purbeck District Council serves a population of about 45,000. The largest settlements are Swanage, Wareham and Upton which contain over 53% of the District’s population. Virtually all the coastline is Heritage Coast and the coast from Studland westwards is a designated World Heritage Site. The District’s population is swelled by 3 million tourists each year.


Communications Officer, Chief Executive’s Office, Westport House, Worgret Road, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4PP Direct Line: Wareham (01929) 557201 Fax: Wareham (01929) 557305
www.purbeck.gov.uk