Residents have say on Keyhole Bridge after legal challenge

The controversial and fiercely debated topic has seemingly split residents down the middle.

As reported, organisation Cycling UK has issued court proceedings against the council after it stood by its move to reopen Keyhole Bridge in Poole Park, which the charity says was “unlawful”.

BCP Council had to reopen a public consultation on whether the bridge should be closed to motor vehicles following a ruling by a High Court judge.

Keyhole Bridge in Poole.

In the extended consultation, 65 per cent of the 791 respondents agreed Keyhole Bridge should be closed permanently, with 35 per cent disagreeing.

One resident who backed the closure is Paul Bradley, who regularly cycles through Keyhole Bridge with his young son. He said: “With Keyhole Bridge closed, our community and our streets felt like a safer place, and children were able to cycle or walk to school.

“The decision to keep it open was ridiculous when people living in the area were so overwhelmingly against it, and all the evidence supported public opinion. I’m glad it’s now being challenged, it’s just a shame it has to go this far to give people what they want and need.”

Others, however, felt the closure prevented residents outside the Poole area from enjoying the park.

Poole Town ward Conservative candidate Leanne Barnes said on social media: “As a non-driver and a regular user of Keyhole Bridge, I think the right decision has been made to keep it open.

“Cars have never caused a problem there, in fact it's cyclists that I've nearly been run over by on two occasions when the bridge was closed off. Lots of disabled drivers wouldn't be able to access the park without that bridge.”

Recognising both points of view, another resident suggested the road remain open to vehicles but with priority given to pedestrians and cyclists, adding: “I was there tonight and it was a free for all, no wonder people get annoyed about it.”