Poole Park Whitecliff entrance to remain closed permanently

BCP Council has decided to make the closure of Poole Park’s Whitecliff Road / Twemlow Avenue entrance permanent.

At a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Cllr Andy Hadley, BCP Council Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy said the measures will make a positive contribution to the health and wellbeing of the local population.

A campaign has been taking place since January fighting against the closure, with local residents saying it will hit the most vulnerable who rely on the gateway to get into the park without having to drive to the alternatives.

A four-week consultation was made with 63% of responses disagreeing with the closure and 36% agreeing, which just left 1% who were neutral in what they thought.

Cllr Hadley: “The current measures there to prevent motor vehicles accessing the park at this location will stay in place and our team will now look at improvements to better support disabled drivers parking and turning near this gate.

“We are committed to making our area a place where people, nature, coast and towns come together in sustainable, safe and healthy communities. 

“This closure is an improvement of a key green space – supporting residents from multiple wards, including some in more deprived areas, to access one of the most beautiful parts in the BCP area. 

“These measures will make a positive contribution to the health and wellbeing of the local population and enable more people to enjoy relaxing, walking, wheeling, running or cycling in Poole Park.”