A DATE has been set for a legal challenge from a group of Poole residents over the use and accessibility Keyhole Bridge.

A collective by the name of Keyhole Bridge Group are challenging BCP Council’s decision to reopen Keyhole Bridge on Whitecliff Road to traffic.

Having launched a judicial review in June this year to have the council’s decision quashed, on July 14, the group received the High Court’s permission to proceed on the basis that the claim is arguable and should be heard in court.

Following a crowdfunding campaign, the case is due to be heard at the High Court on Wednesday October 6.

The group have raised many issues with regards to the reopening of the bridge, one of which is the lack of consultation on the future of the bridge, which was cut short when the decision to reopen the bridge was taken after only five months.

A spokesperson for Keyhole Bridge Group said: “Things have moved on since January when the council made their decision.

“There is now widespread acknowledgement that the only way to resolve congestion is to encourage more people to leave the car behind if they can do so, and walk, cycle or use public transport.

“In fact, BCP Council themselves have a number of plans in place to improve walking and cycling infrastructure along major travel corridors in the area but in focussing on these large, costly schemes they’ve overlooked the difference a small and inexpensive change like Keyhole Bridge can make.”

Both parties agree that closure of the road will increase journey times along other routes. However, a settlement could not be made outside of court.

BCP Council have defended their decision to reopen the bridge, adding that it was “made properly” and, although alternative arrangements were assessed, “no alterations to the decision were supported”.

BCP Council's portfolio holder for transport and sustainability Cllr Mike Greene said: “We thoroughly considered the impacts of the trial closure of Keyhole Bridge before deciding to remove it.

“This decision was subsequently scrutinised at the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee at which no alterations to the decision were supported.

"The council considers that the decision was made properly following extensive consultation and will be setting out its position at the court hearing on October 6.

“We don’t want to increase traffic volumes on existing busy routes with pinch points that would lead to even more vehicles idling whilst queueing as this emits more harmful pollutants, greenhouse gases and particles into the air.”

The group are still raising money towards their judicial review. To find out more and donate, click here.