A FURTHER public consultation is open for the controversial Keyhole Bridge road closure following a Court of Appeal order.

Residents again have the opportunity to share any new thoughts, feedback, or suggestions they have regarding measures to prioritise walking and cycling at Keyhole Bridge in Whitecliff Road, Poole.

In August 2020, BCP introduced an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) to prioritise walking and cycling at Keyhole Bridge between Poole Park and Whitecliff Park.

The ETRO was to be in place for 18 months, however a council decision was subsequently made to withdraw the measures more than one month early and reopen the road. This resulted in a legal challenge lobbied by the Keyhole Bridge User Safety Group who argued the order was “unlawfully” curtailed for “unjustified” reasons before all residents could provide feedback.

Bournemouth Echo: Wooden plant pots installed at Keyhole Bridge near Poole ParkWooden plant pots installed at Keyhole Bridge near Poole Park

A High Court ruling agreed there was “unfairness and unlawfulness” in the council’s decision to end the consultation period early and ordered the council to operate a further 40 day consultation starting on Monday, February 28, and running until April 8.

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

Julian McLaughlin, BCP Council’s service director for transport and engineering, said: “The consultation which we are opening today will give everyone the opportunity to provide any new evidence regarding Keyhole Bridge.

“We would specifically ask those thinking about responding to our consultation to consider the judge's comment that - those who have already responded ought not to send a further response, unless there is a genuinely new point to be made.”

Visit haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/keyholebridgereview to take part in the consultation.