Safety improvements planned after road accidents

The improvements will be made on the A35 near Upton Country Park

Wider footpaths, a parallel crossing and a reduced speed limit are to be introduced near a country park following a number of accidents, a council has announced.

The changes would provide safer facilities for walking, cycling and driving by Upton Country Park, off the A35, near Poole, said Dorset Council.

The authority said the work would begin on 16 September and complete in November.

Jon Andrews, the council's cabinet member for place services, said: "These improvements are vital for the safety and wellbeing of communities in the local area."

Upton Country Park would remain open during the roadworks.

To minimise congestion, temporary traffic lights would be in place, as well as temporary restrictions with signed diversions, said the council.

A 30mph speed limit and a pedestrian crossing will be put in place near Upton Country Park

Three nights of road closures were scheduled towards the end of the work for resurfacing, it said.

Mr Andrews thanked people in advance for their patience during the works.

“Widening the footway in this busy area, reducing the speed for a short stretch of road and adding the new crossing will make the area more pleasant and safer for all," he said.