Bridge and waterfront remain closed

Keyhole Bridge and footpaths around the sluice channel will remain closed until 12 December

A road and a popular waterfront path remains closed until mid-December due to challenges in ongoing repair works.

Poole Park lagoon, in Poole, Dorset, is a wildlife haven and recreation facility, fed by a sluice channel under nearby Baiter Park and a railway line.

Essential repair works to reconstruct the structure of the sluice channel after the piling became heavily corroded started on 21 July and had been expected to be completed by the end of November.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Councillor, Andy Martin said: "The timeline was extended slightly to address technical challenges, including crane adjustments and extra bracing for stability essential for safety and quality."

A section of new culvert is lowered into place

As part of the works the segregated footpath and cycle track along the waterfront at Whitecliff and Baiter has been connected.

The repair is crucial for maintaining the lagoon's water quality and high salinity, which is vital for the rare wildlife inhabiting the area.

Throughout the works salt water is being pumped from the harbour to Poole Park lagoon to maintain the water quality and all machinery used has been operated on marine friendly bio-oil.

The project is being funded for by the Community Infrastructure Levy with an additional £60,210 from the Active Travel Fund.

Martin said: "Significant progress has been made on reconstructing the Baiter sluice channel, with most work now complete.

"The project is now in its final phase, with remaining equipment being removed.

"Keyhole Bridge will stay closed to vehicles until Friday 12 December at the latest, after which it will reopen."

"Once finished, the project will protect Poole Park's salt-water lagoon, an important wildlife haven and recreational space for years to come," he added.