A RECENTLY installed staircase in a Poole woodland has been forced to close after failing to comply with safety standards.

Funded by developer contributions, the section of the £34,944 scheme at Blake Hill Viewpoint, which links Elgin Road to Blake Hill Crescent, was carried out by Borough of Poole engineers to replace the existing steps in November last year.

The staircase was opened earlier this month, however following criticism and concern from residents in the area the steps have been closed off.

Although the first set of steps up from the Elgin Road path are considerably shallower and twice as big, the second set on the steeper section of the hill leave a considerable amount of walker's feet hanging over the edge of each step.

Resident Colin Lambert, who uses the area regularly to walk his dog, said the steps were "absolutely ridiculous".

"I do not know how much the steps have cost, but I would have thought it would have cost less to develop the older path that was already there," he said.

"They opened the steps for one day, before then deciding to close them again.

"It is a clear safety risk and the council are lucky no one was injured when they were briefly open."

The project also included a variety of tree and shrub works to improve the biodiversity of the area.

Cllr John Rampton, Borough of Poole portfolio Holder for Environmental Services, said: “As part of a fantastic scheme to improve Blake Hill Viewpoint, a new staircase, located in Elgin Road, has been built to replace a previous timber construction which was more than 20 years old and showing signs of decay.

“Following initial installation of the modular staircase, it was apparent that the manufacture did not comply with current safety standards and specifications. To ensure the safety of users, we have closed this access point to the public. The contractor is now carrying out remedial work to ensure the new staircase is fully compliant with regulations and this is being provided at no additional cost to the council.

“The improvement project for Blake Hill Viewpoint, which focuses on biodiversity, wildlife and natural habitats, also includes works to the various entrance points around the site, woodland management and new fingerposts. The total costs of all project works is £34,944.00 which is being funded by local planning obligations (develop contributions). Visitors are still able to access Blake Hill Viewpoint via six other access points located on Blake Dene Road, Brownsea View Avenue and Blake Hill Crescent.”

Penn Hill ward councillor Xena Dion said closing the steps over concerns for safety was the right thing to do.

"It is a tricky situation due to the steepness of the hill," Cllr Dion said.

"First and foremost it has to be safe for people to use.

"I said we wanted to keep it as natural as possible when I visited the site before the works, but it is difficult to get the structure safe enough and also in keeping with the area entirely. There has to be a compromise.

"It is particularly steep area and quiet a well used area so we need to get it right."