Lyme Regis Town Council in Dorset has sparked outrage with its decision to demolish a picturesque pavilion, built in 2005, which has become a gathering spot for homeless individuals and bored teenagers. The council argues that the structure has led to anti-social behaviour, including drinking and drug use, and that they lack resources to address the underlying issues.
The pavilion, located along the Jurassic Coast, was originally intended as a scenic resting place for residents and tourists. However, after complaints, the council removed its windows to deter loitering, and when that failed, voted to bulldoze the building entirely.
Local residents have condemned the move, calling it 'vandalism' and warning it will simply displace the problem. A petition has been launched to save the pavilion, with community members offering to paint and repair it free of charge. Janette Edmonds, who started the petition, said the decision has 'left our community devastated' and threatens tourism.
Critics argue the council should instead invest in youth services or address homelessness. Resident Kate Burgess questioned: 'How does destroying the location help? If the problem relocates to the other shelters, are they going to remove those too?'
Council chairman Brian Larcombe defended the decision, stating the pavilion is 'not a heritage asset' and that the council lacks the means to tackle homelessness. He described the site as suffering from 'drunkenness, drug taking, and public urination,' calling the behaviour 'completely unacceptable.'
