News

Businesses in Poole confirm it will be business as usual during the refurbishment of one of Poole's main Town Centre links.

As part of a £2million investment, essential work to refurbish the 30 year old Towngate bridge in Poole is due to begin at midnight on Sunday 24 February.

Sarah Morgan, Chairman of Poole Town Centre Management Board, said: "Whilst the work is underway, the town will be open for business as usual for everyone shopping in the Town Centre. The Council's consultation on this scheme has given businesses in Poole a chance to help plan the timing of the work. Easter is a busy season and with the bridge refurbishment completed we are expecting even more visitors. The main message to shoppers is that there are great shops, so make sure you come along and check out Poole's busy Dolphin Shopping Centre, High Street and the Quay. We look forward to seeing you."

Roger Boyce, proprietor of Catalogue, said: "There would never be an ideal time to carry out these essential repairs but slotting the work in between half term and Easter will help to minimise traffic congestion. Whilst there will be some problems during the rush hour for the town's commuters, there shouldn't be any problems for off peak shoppers and visitors. There will be one lane open in both directions at all times and with plenty of car parking available at both ends of the town visitors can avoid the bridge altogether if they wish."

Pam Turner, Dolphin Shopping Centre Manager, said: "I'd just like to remind customers that the Dolphin Shopping Centre will be open and ready for business throughout the work and that all efforts have been made so that visitors to the Town Centre are faced with as little disruption as possible. And don't forget that will be plenty to see and do especially with M&S re-launching its £500,000 new look store on 28 February. Keep an eye out for all the fun activities on Thursday 28th, Friday 1st & Saturday 2nd of March and make sure you make the most of what is sure to be a spectacular weekend with something for everyone."

In order to keep disruption to a minimum, work to refurbish Towngate bridge will be carried out 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the next 5 weeks and is scheduled to finish on 28 March in time for the Easter weekend.

Cllr Bob Williams, Executive Spokesperson for Environment & Prosperity, said: "This is a major investment in our roads which will help to maintain the viability of the Town Centre for residents, businesses, visitors and shoppers in Poole. I would like to reassure everyone that the bridge will remain open in each direction throughout and that work will be carried out 24 hours a day to ensure it is completed in the quickest time and with as little disruption as possible."

Colin Perris, Civil Engineer, Borough of Poole, said: "During the work only limited flood lighting will used as the bridge's new permanent lighting will be installed before the resurfacing work begins. Because the bridge is not in a highly residential area, our contractors will also be able to work non stop in order to complete the scheme as quickly as possible. We will however be monitoring noise levels throughout to ensure those living closest are not disturbed and noisy operations will be saved for daylight hours."

Anyone with any questions about the scheme can contact, Colin Perris, Civil Engineer, Borough of Poole, tel: 01202 262171.