A NATIONAL cycling charity has welcomed the outcome of the judicial review into the closure of Keyhole Bridge in Poole.

As reported, Court of Appeal judge Mrs Justice Lang ruled the controversial Keyhole Bridge will remain open to traffic, however said BCP Council must reopen a public consultation meaning the road could still eventually be closed.

The council was also ordered to pay £20,000 in respect of the claimant’s costs.

Cycling UK has said it welcomes the decision, as it waits for the conclusion of its own similar legal challenge in Shoreham.

Duncan Dollimore, Cycling UK’s head of campaigns, said: “Too many councils over recent months have almost made their own rules up when determining the future of their government funded cycling and walking schemes.

“Justice Lang’s decision should be a salutary warning to them, and that they must follow proper process.

“However, it is disappointing that it is down to local volunteers and campaign groups to hold councils to account when government guidance on promoting active travel schemes is clear.”