Poole Park entrance to be closed to traffic as part of trial

Vehicles will be banned from coming into and exiting Poole Park from the gateway at Whitecliff Road and Twemlow Avenue

An entrance to a town centre park is set to be closed to traffic.

Vehicles will be banned from coming into and exiting Poole Park from the gateway at Whitecliff Road and Twemlow Avenue from 17 January.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council said the closure would initially be a trial and remain in effect until it has reviewed feedback.

This is an extension to the closures that already happen between 07:30 and 10:00 on Monday to Saturday.

Other vehicle access and exit points, as well as parking in the park, will not be impacted.

Poole Park was built in 1890, covering 110 acres of open space, with tennis courts, a bowling green, play areas, miniature railway and cafes next to its lake.

BCP Council will run a four-week public consultation as it looks for feedback on the scheme.

Its position near the centre of the town means it is often busy during rush hour as motorists use it as a cut-through.

The local authority will run a four-week public consultation, which closes on 13 February, as it looks for feedback on the trial.

Councillor Andy Hadley, BCP Council's cabinet member responsible for the environment, said: "Trialling a closure of this entrance to the park alongside an online public consultation gives our residents the opportunity to comment, having seen how these proposed measures affects them and others.

"Reducing traffic in Poole Park could benefit both park users and the special wildlife who inhabit the park.

"The park also plays an important role in the council's active travel network and this proposal aligns with our commitment to promote active and sustainable travel, and support everyone to live active and healthy lives.

"I would encourage people who do use the park to experience these changes before the middle of February and see for themselves the difference this trial closure may make to their daily lives.

"We are keen to consider the views of everyone who uses Poole Park, and once the consultation has closed all responses will be reviewed and considered ahead of a decision being made on a permanent closure."