EFFORTS to make Poole Bus Station a safer place could see two alleyways permanently gated off.
BCP Council is considering the move to close off the walkways following an initial temporary closure to combat anti-social behaviour.
A consultation has been launched by the local authority, with the views of residents wanted on the Public Space Protection Order which is needed to carry out the plan.
Councillor May Haines (pictured), BCP Council portfolio holder for community safety, said: “Improving public safety at Poole Bus Station is a priority for the council and its partners and as part of our multi-agency approach to addressing anti-social behaviour it is proposed to permanently close the two small alleyways that link the bus station to the back of the station.”
The travel hub in Poole town centre has been a hotspot for crime and disorder for many years.
As reported, last year police and council officials agreed to shut off the footpaths for six months as part of a crackdown on nuisance behaviour.
This move came after Dorset Police and bus companies approached the council to seek assistance with reducing the level of anti-social behaviour affecting the bus station by the Dolphin Centre in Poole town centre.
- Read more: Yellow Buses quit Poole Bus Station over anti-social behaviour issues
- Read more: Morebus committed to Poole Bus Station despite anti-social behaviour
The online consultation on introducing a permanent alleyway shut off says the local authority considered that the closures could reduce anti-social behaviour but might also lead to accessibility problems.
BCP Council wants residents, businesses, organisations and other affected individuals to have their say on whether the gating of the alleys would, on balance, be beneficial for the users of the bus station if anti-social behaviour were reduced without unfairly affecting access needs.
Cllr Haines added: “It is important we understand any impact of the proposal on those who use the bus station as well as local businesses and I would urge people to give their feedback through the public consultation.”
The consultation will close at midnight on September 5 and can be accessed at haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/busstation
Responses will then be evaluated and reviewed by the project team before a final report is produced in late September, which could include a summary of all contributions collected as well as recommendations.
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