A PLAN to route buses through Kings Park while a Boscombe railway bridge is replaced has been approved, despite questions over who will pay for the exercise.

Bournemouth council hopes to claim back the money it will spend on opening up Kings Park from Network Rail.

But cabinet members were told that Network Rail is not currently giving any guarantees of this, other than to say it will look at all compensation claims.

Enabling buses to use Kings Park while the Ashley Road bridge is replaced will cost around £90,000. Diversion signs will have to be erected and a specialist enforcement camera will also have to be bought to prevent ordinary traffic from using the bus route.

Mike Holmes, director of planning and transport services, said: “We are engaging in a level of activity and we would hope that that would be recognised by Network Rail and we would be compensated for that.”

Reopening Kings Park between October 19 and December 19 will allow the council to operate a 10p park and ride scheme into Boscombe.

Steve Kent, of Boscombe Traders’ Association, urged councillors to consider improving the lighting at the Kings Park lorry car park to ensure shoppers feel safe using it.

But Mr Holmes said that although the current lighting was far from ideal, it was unlikely they would have enough time to make enhancements.

The council will also be using traffic wardens and the camera car to ensure that all the other routes to Boscombe are kept clear during the road closure.