Council staff are patrolling Bournemouth beach 24 hours a day to ensure anyone breaching an overnight camping ban faces an “uncomfortable night’s sleep”.

Revellers are being warned they could face prosecution and a £1,000 fine if they choose to camp on the popular Dorset beach.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has employed an additional 75 staff to help managed the authority’s 15 miles of beach which saw massive demand during the summer of 2020 with congested roads and irresponsible parking.

A council spokesman said: “As part of our seasonal response plan, we’re putting in place a 24-hour beach patrol to deal with those camping on the beach.

“Our beaches are not a place for overnight camping and people who choose to camp on them will risk prosecution and a £1,000 fine.

“Anyone thinking of camping on the beach can expect an uncomfortable night’s sleep as our beach patrol team will repeatedly visit them to gather evidence before taking prosecution action.”

He added: “Extra security patrols, Covid-19 marshals and additional CSAS officers will be deployed on the ground in hot spot areas to provide a uniformed presence and deal with anti-social behaviour and Covid-19 regulations.

“Additional policing has also been sourced for key busy dates.

“Public toilets will remain open with extended opening times into the evenings at key sites, and additional cleansing operations will be in place.

“We will be clear though we welcome responsible visitors to our resort.

“People who will treat things with care, behave reasonably and pick up after themselves.”