PROPOSALS to revamp the roads between Poole town centre and its two bridges have been blasted as ‘outdated and lacking vision’ by a green group.

Two new possible options for the town centre scheme, which has already been a partial gyratory since last year, have been presented to stakeholders.

One would see a multi-lane one-way gyratory proposal, using West Street for southbound traffic and West Quay Road for northbound traffic, while the other would be a two-way scheme, focussing through traffic on West Quay Road.

Stephen Thorne, head of planning and regeneration at Borough of Poole, said: “This is part of an ongoing planning study by the council for the central area of Poole. The council has carried out very extensive public consultation and investigated the implications of further development.

“There are many different views to take into account – this is one of many – and the council must do what is right for Poole and for the future. No decisions have been made yet.”

Andy Hadley, from Transition Town Poole, said that both schemes placed cyclists on the pavements.

He added: “The council must know that this will create conflict points between pedestrians and cyclists, poor and inefficient cycle link routes for vulnerable road users. Both schemes commit vast area of the public realm to tarmac, based on outdated ideas about motorised traffic growth rates.

“The language used by officers seemed to indicate that the Borough still favour the multi-lane racetrack option, because it can carry more cars.

“This is such outdated thinking to be astonishing. In London, TfL are spending millions of pounds removing gyratory systems because they sever communities and make crossing roads a difficult and slow process.

“The regeneration of the West Quays and Hamworthy power station will provide many homes within easy walking and cycling distance of the town centre and public transport links.

“This should be a massive consideration in their design thinking. The drawings of ‘Option 5’ suggested that to get from the High Street to Asda is likely to involve five frustrating waits for pedestrians and cyclists at traffic light crossings, and all their modelling seems to be car-centric.”