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A trial gate closure to cars at Poole Park will start this month along with a public consultation on it being permanent.
From Wednesday 17 January 2024 the gate at the Whitecliff Road and Twemlow Avenue entrance and exit point of the park will be closed 24 hours a day to prevent motor vehicles entering or exiting.
This is an extension to the current closure in place Monday to Saturday, from 7.30-10am.
Whilst this trial gate closure is in place, the council will launch a four-week public consultation; seeking the views of local residents, businesses and visitors to the park on whether to make the closure permanent.
It follows a recent Experimental Traffic Regulation Order to close Keyhole Bridge in Whitecliff Road which remains open.
Cllr Andy Hadley, BCP Council’s Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy 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.”
The other vehicle access and exit points, and parking (including disabled parking) in the park are not affected by this proposal.
The consultation will be open until midnight on Tuesday 13 February 2024 and the survey goes live on Wednesday 17 January on the council’s ‘Have Your Say’ website.