THE majority of Poole Quay and the whole of Lower High Street will be pedestrianised from this Saturday. (June 27)

This move, which is temporary but could become permanent following public consultation, has been introduced by BCP Council 'to enable residents and workers to socially distance more easily'.

Councillor Andy Hadley, member for transport on BCP Council, said: "We need to make sure that there is more space for people in the town centres and local neighbourhoods to walk and cycle, and to support businesses.

“Temporarily removing traffic from part of Poole Quay will help us to understand the benefits of such a measure.

"Our hope is that it could become a permanent change, but this would only happen after a further open conversation to give all residents, businesses and stakeholders the chance to have their say."

Restricted access will be in place for cars and buses along Poole Quay between the junction with Thames Street, by the Custom House, down to the roundabout at the end of Old Orchard. The same restrictions will be in place along Lower High Street from the junction with Castle Street/New Street down to the quayside.

Frankie Reeves, manager at Lush Spa Poole, said: "Pedestrianising the lower end of the High Street is long overdue.

"Cars and pedestrians come far too close due to areas of very narrow pavements, making for an uncomfortable experience for distracted tourists wandering the area.

"Furthermore, this can't come soon enough as shops will now need to hold customers outside on these narrow pavements in order to comply with the coronavirus social distancing limits.

"The main street of old town Poole was built with walkers and browsers in mind, not modern-day traffic - this proposal gives it a chance to return to its original charm and function."

People living, working and visiting the area are encouraged to take part in an online survey at bcpcouncil.gov.uk/poolequayconsultation where they can have their say on the scheme.

Cllr Hadley said: "We want to work with people who live and work in our towns to give them the opportunity to travel more sustainably, enjoying cleaner air and less congested areas.

"It’s been great to see more people walking and cycling and we’ve already received a lot of positive ideas from residents on what they would like to see put in place to support more sustainable travel going forward.

“We are currently looking at opportunities for pop-up cycle lanes, and creating more pedestrianised space that could be deployed quickly but safely.

"This would be in addition to the measures we’re already taking to support bus passengers and the work underway at key locations to create more space for people to physically distance."

“We want to work with people who live and work in our towns to give them the opportunity to travel more sustainably, enjoying cleaner air and less congested areas.”