From 17 January 2024, BCP Council will be trialling a daily 24-hour gate closure at Poole Park. This will only be at the entrance and exit point on Whitecliff Road, adjacent to Twemlow Avenue. This is an extension to the current daily closure in place from 7.30-10am at all entrances, which prevents vehicles entering or exiting the park during the morning rush hour.
The reason for this closure is to promote environmental improvements in and around Poole Park. This is in line with BCP Council’s Corporate Strategy for health and well-being and active, sustainable communities.
A consultation is open in conjunction with the trial closure and will run for 4 weeks, closing at 23:59 on Tuesday 13 February 2024.
Have Your Say, the online survey is available now at haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/pooleparkaccess
BCP Council will consider the feedback and then make a decision about whether to retain the closure of this park entrance to motor vehicles or revert to the previous opening / closure times.
Background information
Poole Park is a heritage listed park in a Conservation area, which is managed and maintained by BCP Council. Opened in 1890, the road was originally designed for horse and carriages to access the park. BCP Council now allows controlled motor vehicle access to the park. The park road is not an adopted highway though some drivers use it as a through route, avoiding busy junctions nearby.
The park is closed to vehicles 7.30 am – 10am Mon-Sat, to reduce the impact of rush hour traffic, creating a car-free environment. This closure to vehicles has been in place since at least the 1980’s.
Previous road-closure consultations (2017) have shown an equal split in opinion for closing or maintaining a through road. However, more recent ‘Future of Parks’ surveys and engagement related to temporary closures nearby show an increased preference for vehicle restrictions.
Proposal
The Council proposes to permanently close the entrance to the park adjacent to Twemlow Avenue to motor vehicles, effectively preventing the use of the park as a through route between Poole Town Centre and Sandbanks Road / Whitecliff area.
