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4 Feb 00

NEW LIFELINE FOR POOLE HARBOUR BRIDGE

Poole has been thrown a lifeline in it's fight for a new harbour crossing for the town.

The news was received following calls from the Borough of Poole that the Government reconsider its decision to withdraw the Poole Harbour Bridge scheme from the national trunk road programme.

In a letter from the DETR, confirming that the Government are unlikely to reverse their decision to withdraw the Bridge scheme from the national trunk road programme, the Council has been offered the opportunity to meet with officials from the Government Office for the South West to discuss alternative options.

Cllr Brian Clements, Leader of the Borough of Poole, said: 'We are of course extremely disappointed at the news that the Bridge scheme is unlikely to be restored to the national road programme. Even so it is encouraging that the Government Office for the South West would like to meet to discuss a way forward in line with our alternative proposals for the bridge. That Poole needs the Bridge is without question - what we need to sort out is how this can be achieved. Poole has suffered long enough with poor road networks and congestion. We need to take every opportunity to make sure we get the solution Poole needs'.

Currently the Borough of Poole is responsible as the local highway authority to decide how the bridge scheme should be developed as of the part of the Local Transport Plan. Funding for the bridge is dependent upon private sector funding and discussions are underway with potential developers on an alternative bridge for Poole.

John McBride, Policy Director, said: 'Since the Government decided to drop the Bridge scheme we have been working to develop a local solution. Government support will be needed if we are to secure a new bridge for Poole and is crucial for any private finance for the scheme. We welcome their interest and will look forward to the opportunity to meet and discuss the proposals in the light of this announcement'.

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Cllr Brian Clements (07977) 259010