Council rejects calls to reopen Poole Park gate to motorists

The formal decision to permanently close the Whitecliff entrance to Poole Park was made in May 2024, despite public opposition.

At a council meeting in March, members approved a scheme of active travel works including £250,000 to improve the existing cycle and walking route from Poole Park to Broadstone Way.

This raised concerns among some councillors that the closure would be a “permanent and irreversible feature.”

Poole Town Councillor Xena Dion raised the closure of the entrance at a full council meeting on July 22.

Cllr Dion said: “The report states that it would help increase health and wellbeing outcomes for our communities and visitors.

“I am sure the leader and portfolio holder agree that increased traffic congestion along Parkstone Road, frequently backing up to the George roundabout, adversely affects health through emissions from stationary traffic that contribute to respiratory and other illnesses.

“Moreover, the risk of serious harm and chaos by only allowing cars to exit from one location, should there be a major incident in the park, is grave.

“Based on these facts, and the deterrent effect that traffic in the park has on antisocial behaviour, could I ask that the administration reopen the Whitecliff entrance to cars and reassure residents that no further money be spent on aesthetic landscaping that could be much better spent elsewhere.”

(Image: Supplied)

Councillor Andy Hadley said the closure supports efforts to protect green spaces and improve public health.

Cllr Hadley said: “This is a park and not part of the highway.

“Overuse of cars for short journeys contributes to congestion and health problems, including respiratory and other illnesses, partly arising from a lack of exercise.

“We need to protect our parks and open spaces for people to dwell, exercise and enjoy, rather than just to pass through and pollute.

“The beneficial effects for health and wellbeing of preventing drivers from using this historic park as a cut-through are significant.

“It makes the park a far better place for those who want to visit or pass through on foot or by bike, and it is also better for nature in the park, including reduced disturbance to the greylag goose, especially in their flightless moulting season.

“If there were a major incident in the park, the police and parks team would be able to open access and direct traffic as they see fit.

“The parks team will continue to look at ways to improve the experience of those visiting the park, including supporting legitimate vehicle access and especially catering for the needs of those with disabilities, prioritising park users over rat-running traffic.”