A £1.1 MILLION security operation is being introduced in Bournemouth as the town centre gears up for the Conservative Party Conference.

Operation Pegasus involves more than 500 police officers, some 125 civilian police staff and 150 civilian security staff.

The security operation is paid for by the Home Office and the cost does not fall on the Dorset taxpayer.

Most of the car parks and roads will stay open during the conference which takes place at Bournemouth International Centre from Monday, October 4 to Thursday October 7.

Inspector Geoff Dominey, Dorset Police's deputy head of Operation Pegasus, said: "Because of access reasons and security - both for visiting delegates and residents some road closures - car park closures and street parking restrictions are necessary."

He added: "But the number of car parks that will be closed for security and access reasons is a small proportion of the car parking in Bournemouth town centre. Throughout the planning of the conference security - which has been a major job - we have tried to keep any inconvenience to a minimum."

The first road and car park closures come into force on Monday.

A special leaflet and map detailing road closures, car park closures and parking restrictions has been created and 1,300 copies have been distributed to Bournemouth town centres businesses, hotels, taxi operators and tourist information centres.

Inspector Dominey added: "Some of the cliff paths are subject to restrictions but access to the beach via the pier and Durley Chine is unrestricted."

Some 10,000 delegates as well as members of the media from across the UK are expected to attend the four-day conference.

First published: Sept 25