NUMEROUS roads around Poole Quay have reopened to traffic after a six-month closure came to an end.

The Poole Quay Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) was one of several trial active travel measures to support and encourage walking and cycling as well as creating a welcoming outdoor environment.

From April 1 to October 31, The Quay (between Thames Street and the mini roundabout at the end of Old Orchard), High Street (from the junction with Castle Street down to The Quay), Castle Street (the first 15 metres north of the Quay) and Paradise Street were all closed from 10am to 10pm to motor vehicles.

The ETRO was originally introduced in 2020 and lasted from June to December. The six-month closures from April to October will become an annual change and BCP Council confirmed to the Echo that they would return in April 2022.

Initially, many business owners and visitors criticised the scheme with concerns over reduced accessibility for would-be customers.

But a wider six-month consultation on the experimental traffic order found responses became more favourable the longer the closure remained.

Sam Sheldon owns Riptide Espresso & Records café in the High Street and told the Echo that she would happily see the road be closed all year round, citing improved footfall and public confusion.

She said: “We’re all for the road being closed permanently as it has been great for business. We’ve liked having tables set up outside and summer was so busy. I’ve lived here all my life and have never seen it so busy.

“I think reclosing it has confused people more than anything. The past couple of days I’ve seen numerous people walking in the middle or the road because they understandably assumed it was still closed after so long.

“A few cars have had to beep their horns because they don’t realise. It would be nice to fully pedestrianise the street with say a cobbled path.”

One resident said: “A significant part of the footpath is covered with scaffolding. Nearly all people are walking in the road so it's quite confusing given the long shut down period.”

A short walk away is the Fisherman Café, owned by husband and wife Mike and Clare Bennett.

“It’s a double-edged sword”, said Clare. “We need the road open to traffic in the morning especially as a huge part of our trade is commuters passing by. It’s lovely to have it open to walkers in the summer but not in the winter.”

Fellow owner Mike added: “Originally we were a bit taken aback by the closure as there was no communication from the council. But as time went on we adjusted and are all for the seasonal closure – but the road should be open to traffic during winter.

“To close all year round would be suicide for a lot of business and we hope the council stick to their word with this new schedule.

“We came into the High Street last night and cars were parked everywhere with people using restaurants which they couldn’t do before. Having it open to vehicles is also huge for disability access which you can’t forget about.”

From November 1 to March 31 roads will be open to all traffic with parking permitted in existing bays.