A SOLUTION and future use for derelict land next to a railway line known as 'Tent City' is being discussed after a clean-up.

Land situated between the multistorey car park off Serpentine Road and the rail tracks off Poole Railway Station has been highlighted as a potential site for development by BCP Council after it was left in a state of decay for decades.

During the some 30 years of disuse it became known to locals as ‘Tent City’ due to the prevalence of homeless people living on the land. It is also known as the Goods Yard.

More than four months after the Echo first reported on the state of the site, landowner Network Rail and BCP Council have said discussions are ongoing to find both short- and long-term solutions for its use after improvement works.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We’re aware of the ongoing problems on our land near Poole train station and we’re doing everything we can to find a solution. We recently started clearing up all of the fly-tipped waste and will repair broken sections of the fence to improve security.

Bournemouth Echo: The 'Goods Yard' land (Tent City) near Poole Railway Station. Picture: Google MapsThe 'Goods Yard' land (Tent City) near Poole Railway Station. Picture: Google Maps

“In the meantime, we’re working behind the scenes with BCP Council to find a future use for the land, plus short-term solutions which might stop any further problems.”

The spokesperson added they would support the council where it could in regard to the rough sleepers who used the site.

Councillor Phil Broadhead, portfolio holder for development, growth and regeneration said: “As part of our current Issues and Options consultation which was held earlier this year, we sought public opinion on all sites that have potential for development. One of those is the Goods Yard site in Poole.

“As part of the Local Plan process, we will be talking to all landowners of development sites to understand their plans, and timescales for bringing proposals forward.”

The council’s lead member for homelessness, Cllr Hazel Allen previously said numbers of rough sleepers at the site were “generally low” but that they had liaised with the St Mungo’s outreach team to engage and support those who were there.