SOIL samples have been taken from Turlin Moor Recreation Ground, as the Borough of Poole (BOP) continues to "explore the feasibility" of providing housing on the site.

The council's consultants, WSP and Geotechnics, were on site earlier this month, when samples were extracted to test if the ground could be suitable for development.

Concerned residents blasted BOP's plan, which could see up to 350 houses built on the recreation ground, when the Echo first reported the possibility back in April 2017.

At that time the borough was looking at a number of sites around town, in a bid to meet an estimated 14,200 new home required to be built by 2033 to meet growing housing need.

The Turlin Moor North Scheme, which was outlined as a possible development site on Poole Local Plan, could see new housing alongside new recreational areas and community facilities.

Residents, who have grown up in the area, say the recreation ground – which has always been a playing field for the people of Turlin Moor – covers coke and soot from the old power station. And land nearby includes fields on a former household rubbish tip.

During the recent investigations, 17 trial holes were hand dug before a drilling rig was used to enable soil samples to be taken.

Eight trial pits were also made outside the training pitches and a further 14 holes using poles were taken.

A council spokesman said: "Borough of Poole is continuing to explore the feasibility of providing a mixed housing scheme and improved community facilities on this site, which is included in the recently adopted Poole Local Plan.

"The further exploratory work being undertaken will help determine whether the scheme can be delivered.

"If this scheme progresses, it is unlikely that any building work associated with the possible new development will take place in the short term."