An improvement scheme for Victoria Road, Ferndown which should also tackle pavement parking is being worked on.
Ward councillor Mike Parkes claims the area has been left “a lifeless concrete street” since planters and trees were removed from the area.
He claims the resulting wider pavements has only encouraged inappropriate parking, including the pavements.
“Many shop keepers and local residents have asked why the planters and trees have been removed when no consideration is being given to the issues of people parking on the pavements as– on street parking was very much a fundamental to any regeneration of the street scene,” Cllr Parkes told the February Dorset Council meeting.
“It does seem like for some inexplicable reason we (the Ferndown ward councillors) are currently being excluded from something that sits in the heart of our ward and that we have both been actively campaigning about for at least the past ten years.”
Portfolio holder Cllr Jon Andrews said the planters had been removed because they were considered a health and safety risk while a tree survey found them to be deteriorating – leading to their removal.
“Dorset Council are currently working with Ferndown Town Council on producing a variety of options for Victoria Road. These will be fully costed and will take account of the current pavement parking.
The two councils will work together to identify an appropriate and suitable budget for the work.
As soon as plans are available, there will be a consultation exercise with residents and business owners.
“Design and delivery is being managed by the Strategic Projects Team within Highway Improvements. Their work being funded by the Local Transport Plan. The design team was briefed in late Jan ‘25 and are developing the project plan.
“They intend to contact the Town Council and ward members for detailed scoping discussions to establish aspirations for the area such as holding a Christmas market. This more detailed scoping discussion will help to ensure the proposals meet and accommodate these aspirations.
“The project programme is in development and it is not possible to give an implementation date at this stage. However, the team will undertake the detailed scoping discussion in late February. The team, in consultation with local members, will approach the town council in late March to discuss and refine emerging options. It is expected that the feasibility design options will be ready for further public engagement in May 2025 which is to be led by Ferndown Town Council.
“This is a joint project between FTC and DC. The infrastructure going in will be owned and managed by FTC and not by DC, therefore it is important that FTC take a leading role in this and involve the DC councillors. The design team will contact the ward members for the more detailed scoping discussions.”