Residents invited to share their views on Whitecliff and Baiter Park walking and cycling improvements

Aiming to create a safer environment for people travelling on foot or by bicycle, BCP Council is asking local residents to help shape options for improving the Whitecliff and Baiter Park area of Poole.

Focusing on a key connecting route between Poole Town Centre and neighbouring residential areas, options which are being considered include widening the existing Whitecliff Recreation Ground waterside path. This would enable the creation of a safer protected cycleway and pedestrian footpath, which could then be complemented by two North/South links connecting to Whitecliff Road.

Residents can provide early feedback on the proposed options for this scheme by completing a short online survey. They may also leave comments online using an interactive map and submit feedback via email, or by writing to a dedicated address.

Following a four-week period of engagement, all feedback will be considered and changes made to the initial proposals. Once completed, BCP Council will undertake a formal consultation process with a view to giving people a further opportunity to share their views prior to delivering the improvements later in the year.

Councillor Mike Greene, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability at BCP Council said:

“The current shared path through the Whitecliff area is already a popular and busy route for people travelling on foot or by bike. We now have an excellent opportunity to improve safety and encourage more people to choose greener travel options by providing a new protected route through this part of Poole. We are very much keen to engage with the community as early as possible on these proposals and the options that are being considered.

“This extensive process of engagement will provide an ample opportunity for all those who enjoy, spend time, or travel through the area for work and leisure, to share their ideas and shape the final plans before they are implemented.’’

For more information, view the options and to submit feedback, please visit: haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/whitecliff

The initial process of public engagement will close on 4 March 2021. It follows an award of £1.1 million to the council in December last year from the second tranche of the Government’s active travel fund.