POOLE’S seafront is set to benefit from a multi-million pound investment following the award of additional funds.

The Coastal Communities Fund (CCF) has given Borough of Poole a further £1.2 million to improve public spaces and facilities at Canford Cliffs, Shore Road, Branksome Chine and Flaghead Chine.

Improvements will be made to accesses, play facilities, signage and ‘cultural-artistic appeal’. The work will also extend the land train from Bournemouth to reach Branksome Chine.

It means that a total of £6.6 million is now being invested in the town’s seafront to conserve and improve the environment for residents and visitors to enjoy.

A portion of the funds is being invested into improving the public realm at Canford Cliffs through the provision of more than 100 new beach huts, as well as new catering facilities and public toilets.

The recent £1.2 million investment in Poole is part of wider £5.6 million, which has been awarded to the Dorset Coastal Community Team for 18 projects along the county’s coastline.

The portfolio of projects, called Dorset Coastal Connections, is being led and coordinated by Dorset Coast Forum and funded by the CCF. The CCF lies within the Big Lottery Fund and exists to support coastal communities with economic growth and jobs.

One of the projects includes work to resurface Pier Approach in Bournemouth.

The second phase of work started in October and will see the western side of Pier Approach repaved to match the east, as well as new landscaping features.

Cllr Mohan Iyengar, portfolio holder for seafront, Borough of Poole, said: “We have one of the most beautiful coastlines anywhere and with that comes the challenge to keep up the standard our residents and visitors expect.

So the CCF money is welcome and supports our conservation work. I warmly congratulate the Dorset Coastal Community Team for securing this win.”