Safety improvement work delayed for second time

The improvements are planned for the A35 near Upton Country Park

Work to make a busy junction near a country park safer following a number of accidents has been postponed for the second time.

The planned improvements close to Upton Country Park, off the A35 near Poole, include wider footpaths, a parallel crossing and a reduced speed limit.

In September, the work was delayed days before it was due to start and rescheduled for January 2025.

Dorset Council said it had been delayed further now, after the authority identified an issue with new street lighting.

The council thanked people for their patience with the project.

"We are working with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council and SSE to resolve the issue so we can start our improvement works as soon as it is safe to do so and will provide an updated start date as soon as we can," it said.

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

The improvements were initially delayed in September due to Southern Gas Network works at nearby Blandford Road North, that were completed later than planned.

At the time, Dorset Council said in a statement: "We understand this delay will be disappointing for many, including our own construction team."

It said it remained "committed to enhancing this area with minimal disruption".

The proposed changes would provide safer facilities for walking, cycling and driving on the road, according to the authority.

Under the plans, 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.

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