DESPITE being the epicentre of the biggest security operation ever mounted for the Labour Party Conference, it will be business as usual for Bournemouth's visitors and shoppers says the new town centre boss.

Conferences in recent years have hit local traders quite hard, they claim, who have watched their takings drop by 20 to 50 per cent during the event.

In an effort to plug the drain on the local economy, town centre chiefs want to encourage locals and visitors to ignore the conference next month and continue with their usual shopping and entertainment habits.

Kevin Moore, town centre manager, said: "Bournemouth will be very much open for business. People see all the heightened security and think that they cannot come into town.

"But nothing is farther from the truth. Shops will be open and attractions running, with additional things to do and see because of the conference. The only area cordoned off will be around the BIC and by the Highcliff Marriott Hotel on the West Cliff.

"Car parks open as usual will be the Richmond Gardens multi-storey, Litton Mount, Central, West Hill, Durley Road and Eden Glen. If people are concerned police will be more interested in watching the BIC than car parks, I suggest they use Richmond Gar-dens because of its CCTV cameras.

"It will probably also be the safest week to visit Bournemouth because of the fact the government is here. Policing will be more intensive than ever and nothing will get into the town without being monitored."

More than 16,000 delegates are expected in town for the conference, which starts on September 28, consisting of government officials and elected representatives, their families, members of the national media, event organisers, contractors and exhibitors.