RESIDENTS fear children could be in danger after the removal of a roadside gate as part of active travel works reportedly saw two dogs narrowly escape being hit by cars.
Sections of fencing and a gate separating Whitecliff Road and Baiter Park in Poole were removed recently as part of BCP Council’s plans to improve pedestrian and cycle access to the park around Parkstone Bay.
The gate and fencing have been replaced with an open access layout with four wooden bollards and several rocks on the ground. Temporary fencing currently in place is to be removed soon.
However, several residents say this is a “disaster waiting to happen” following two separate incidents in late July allegedly involving dogs running into the road from the now exposed space while “chasing after” trains passing over Keyhole Bridge.
Colin Lambert, who is friends with one of the dog owners, told the Echo: “Two dogs have escaped death by a whisker because they ran out into the road with no warning and were nearly killed by cars. Next time it might be a child fatality.
“The old pedestrian gate stopped dogs and kids from going out to road, now they’ve taken that away just to make it easier for cyclists. There are ways of keeping everyone happy and safe, but they just seem interested in making it cycle friendly instead of child or dog friendly.
“My friend’s dog got away with its life purely due to the quick reactions of the car driver. That may not happen again.
“If a child was hit after running out into the road, can you imagine the impact on the driver. He or she would likely not be able to live with themselves. This is all avoidable but nobody will listen.”
However, BCP Council have stressed much of the park perimeter is already unfenced and that the new measures will “improve accessibility”.
A BCP Council spokesperson said: “We are currently in the process of delivering major walking and cycling improvements in the Whitecliff Park area of Poole.
“The removal of the gate near Keyhole Bridge will improve accessibility for all park users, making it easier for people traveling by bike, mobility scooters or wheelchairs to use this entrance. The entrance is well set back from the park and the road is clearly visibly.
“The majority of the park, including the section along Whitecliff Road is unfenced and ungated. Therefore, we do not believe this will prevent anyone coming to enjoy the park with young children and dogs from playing freely under supervision.
“The improvements to the park are nearing completion. They follow a public consultation held last year. Over three-quarters of respondents agreed with the proposed improvements.”
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