WE refer to the Southbourne and Boscombe Overcliff Drive temporary road closure and are writing to you with our observations and to voice our concerns over the proposed closures of sections of Southbourne & Boscombe Overcliff Drive.

We have spoken to our levy payers whose businesses are situated on the clifftop, in the roads adjoining, and in Southbourne Grove. We have to report that the overwhelming response is that these closures will further deter customers during what is universally acknowledged as an extremely difficult trading climate.

Businesses on the clifftop have expressed concerns that trade from passing customers will be reduced, and that the roads surrounding will be put under additional parking pressure and congestion.

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Businesses (mainly small hotels and bed and breakfast establishments) situated in roads running from the cliff top towards the shopping area are concerned that their roads will become “rat runs” for those vehicles that have been diverted from the clifftop. These roads are generally used for parking on each side and often drivers have to wait for one vehicle to pass before they are able to progress down the street. Reduced parking will also mean that their guests will struggle to park.

Businesses on Southbourne Grove report that the road is busy as it is. Deliveries to their premises are already difficult, as is parking for customers, particularly the elderly and less able. This road is also the main bus route from Christchurch to Bournemouth – if there is a delivery and a bus, gridlock often ensues. Combine this with increased traffic diverting from the clifftop, this will be potentially dangerous both to traffic and to shoppers crossing the high street.

We should also point out that all traders have serious concerns about the junction of Beechwood Avenue/Wentworth Avenue and Southbourne Grove. This was the subject of various highway improvements a few years ago, and we have to say that this remains a dangerous junction for both pedestrians and vehicles.

Additional traffic caused by the closure of sections of the Overcliff Drive will result in vehicles diverting down Portman Crescent and Fisherman’s Avenue, towards the junction of Beechwood Road and Southbourne Grove where pedestrians already struggle to cross.

Whilst environmental concerns and the promotion of cycling in the BCP area are important and must be given due consideration, the interests of our local businesses, and their ability to trade safely and successfully in these difficult times and in the future, must be of equal concern.

We would urge BCP Council to reconsider and withdraw these plans, and to perhaps look at areas where safe and permanent cycle lanes along the clifftop can be implemented, which, in combination with much needed road surface improvements, would encourage additional cycling along the Overcliff Road.

FIONA MCARTHUR

Manager

Bournemouth Coastal BID

Ashley Road, Bournemouth