Mounds of soil to be used for anti-trespass at Poulner Lakes

Ringwood Town Council has said protecting land around Poulner Lakes is a “priority” after Travellers recently set up camp at the site, leaving behind a “significant amount” of litter.

The authority has previously described Poulner Lakes as unsuitable for encampments after many years of trespass issues resulted in concrete blocks being installed to combat the issue.

Concrete blocks had been hired for three months by the council at short notice and without prior approval in late March in an emergency response to an encampment set up in The Furlong car park.

Travellers at Poulner Lakes in Ringwood back in 2015 (Image: Newsquest)

The council said encampments at Poulner Lakes are “incompatible with both the ecological aims of the restoration and conservation of this former quarry site and the leisure functions – which are well-used”.

At a meeting of the town council’s recreation, leisure and open spaces committee on May 3, town clerk Chris Wilkins was commended for his “quick action to secure the site” and members retrospectively approved the delivery of the blocks and the arrangement of their removal.

• Read more: Council condemn online post criticising litter officer

The cost of the blocks (including delivery, hire for up to three months and removal) is £950.

In their place, the members resolved that additional soil banks would be created to deter unauthorised site access.

Soil used tp prevent access to Creekmoor park and ride site in Poole. (Image: Newsquest)

Minutes from the meeting read: “This would take the grounds team time to construct, so would not happen immediately. These could be removed to allow access to the site, as needed, approximately two or three times a year.”

Mounds of soil have been used effectively as an anti-trespass measure elsewhere. BCP Council recently placed soil at the entrance to the disused Creekmoor park and ride site in Poole after several unauthorised encampments were reported using the land.

Ringwood Town Council added: “Removal of the [concrete] blocks is required for the skip lorry to access the site.

“Members viewed protecting the site as the priority and felt it imperative that removal of the blocks, access for the lorry, and installation of more permanent defences be co-ordinated.”