FRUSTRATED hoteliers have not ruled out hiring private security guards to restore order on Bournemouth's troubled clifftops.

For years boy racers have plagued East Overcliff Drive and Russell Cotes Road, causing sleepless nights for residents and hotel guests.

The police slapped a Section 30 order on the strip recently, giving officers the power to move groups on, and arrest anyone who does not leave or who returns within 24 hours.

Hoteliers say the situation has improved, but claim there is still a problem and refuse to rule out plans for private security personnel to patrol the clifftop at night.

Michael Reid, who runs the Ocean View Hotel, the Cottonwood Hotel and the Bay View Court Hotel, in East Overcliff Drive, said: "Hotels are losing business. People are saying they're not coming back because of the noise at night time. What the police have done has helped, but it hasn't eradicated the problem."

The order follows years of failed attempts to put a stop to boy racers.

The police have seized cars being used repeatedly in an antisocial manner, issued warnings and fixed penalty notices for speeding.

Businessman Philip Jackson, 66, who regularly stays at Bournemouth hotels, said: "They were playing their music, revving up their engines and doing wheelies on the motorcycles until midnight. It's a disgrace."

Inspector Neil MacBean said: "Most of the modified car enthusiasts who gather there behave responsibly. Unfortunately there are a few people who go up there just to show off."

First published: August 13, 2005