Decision

Undertake a 28-day trial closure of one of the three access/exit points in Poole Park, creating a closure to through traffic to improve the park Environment. Publicly consult at the same time as the trial closure to enable the public experience and better understand the impact.

Note: once the consultation period has closed all responses will be assessed ahead of a final decision as to whether the closure shall be made permanent or removed.

Reasons for the decision

Option 1 Enables the public to experience the pros and cons during the consultation period and should therefore output in more informed responses to the consultation.

Option 2 was not selected because responders to the consultation would be having to imagine what the impacts both positive and negative may be.

Option 3 was not selected as it would not achieve the intended outcome of the trial which is to determine if the closure improves the environment within the park

Alternative options considered

1.    Simultaneous trial closure and consultation.   

2.      Consultation ahead of a trial closure.

3.      Do nothing, retain park management in its current arrangement.