News

Poole's campaign for a second harbour crossing is making swift progress.

The Department for Transport has declared a public inquiry must take place before a decision can be made on building the Twin Sails Bridge. No date has yet been set for the hearing but early indications suggest it could be held sometime this summer.

The announcement comes shortly after the close of the seven-week consultation period following submission of the Borough of Poole's Transport and Works Act order application last autumn. A total of 89 objections and three letters of support were made to the DfT. Objections were largely centred around concerns from marine users over the operation of a two-bridge system and loss of Poole Boat Park and slipways. There were also a number of representations from statutory agencies and from local organisations, which mainly deal with technical issues.

Bernie Topham, Policy Director, Borough of Poole, said: "The Council always anticipated a public inquiry was likely in a project of this size and scale and have planned accordingly. It is absolutely right that if people or organisations have concerns they can be tested at a public inquiry. We are pleased that the relatively low level of representations made is a reflection of the extent of consultation and planning that has gone into preparing the TWA Order and feel confident that we can provide evidence at the inquiry to satisfy the concerns being raised."

Councillor Ron Parker, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for the Local Economy, said: "The public inquiry is another step along the road to achieving the Twin Sails Bridge and with it the town's Full Sail Ahead regeneration aspirations. We have cleared so many hurdles already and confirmation of an inquiry proves we are closer than ever before to getting a second harbour crossing."

Meanwhile two new brochures have been produced and will shortly be available explaining where the town is in terms of the Twin Sails Bridge and the wider Full Sail Ahead regeneration projects.