THE SECOND phase of a new travel route linking pedestrians and cyclists to Poole town centre is underway and will see a public bridleway closed until autumn.
Construction work on phase two of the Rigler Road to Hinchliffe Road sustainable travel route has started and will be concentrated between Hinchliffe Road and Blandford Close.
It will eventually see the bridleway, behind the Cornerstone Academy, tarmacked over to encourage active travel.
A major section of the second phase to upgrade the bridleway will start with vegetation clearance and some remedial work to the path. After this, work will start on the bridleway itself.
This follows phase one of the sustainable travel route which saw the completion of a new cycle and pedestrian route along Rigler Road through the Holes Bay development site.
The existing bridleway, which links to Hinchliffe Road, will also see a drainage upgrade and overall improvements to junctions on the route as well as the tarmacked surface.
In order for this work to be carried out, the bridleway has been temporarily closed since the end of May and will remain so until early autumn this year. Throughout this period a temporary diversion route will be in place.
Despite aspects of the overall plans being objected to by residents, with four in ten of the 349 consultation respondents strongly disagreeing with them, the bridleway work has generally been praised by residents.
One said: “The link between Rigler Road and the existing bridleway is a great idea and long overdue.”
The resident did, however, suggest the council consider using gravel paths instead of tarmac to be in keeping with the “natural feel” of the area.
BCP Council recognised the plans had “polarised local views” but concurred that the bridleway upgrade had been well received. A spokesperson said: “The consultation results reflect public feedback on a wide range of sustainable travel proposals. Some of these, such as a proposed road closure, polarised local views.
“In contrast, the upgrade of the existing bridleway behind Carter Community School has not been contentious and is now being taken forward to offer much needed improvements in the area, while we continue to review other elements of the proposals.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel