News

Work on Towngate Bridge is due to begin at midnight on Sunday 24 February as part of a major £2million refurbishment of Poole's roads.

During the work, for highway safety reasons, the taxi rank at the George roundabout will be closed and an alternative rank provided at the Falklands Square exit to the Serpentine car park and train station. This has been arranged with taxi drivers as a short -term measure and will mean that pedestrians will have a short, additional walk around the corner to the relocated site where the same number of taxis will be available.

Cllr Bob Williams, Spokesperson for Environment & Prosperity, said: "We have reassured all car drivers including taxi drivers and users who will need to be aware of the essential coning and lane closures that will have to be put in place. For safety reasons, this will mean that the taxi rank at the George roundabout will unfortunately need to remain closed for the duration of the works. For all road users in this area, particularly cyclists who will already be having to negotiate a busy George Roundabout, an unsafe situation would be created if we allowed taxi movements to continue. Plenty of signs will be installed to direct pedestrians to a rank where taxis will be available".

He added: "This work is essential to maintain the success and prosperity of our town for all our business, residents and shoppers. To ensure this work is carried out quickly and safely for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, we have been working with Town Centre traders about the timing of the scheme and discussed with local taxi providers the need for any alternative arrangements. Plans in place will make sure that this work is carried out efficiently and with the minimum of delay."