Mixed reaction to Ashley Cross Green's £360,000 refurbishment

But are the trickling Victorian fountain, new petanque pitches, performance space and play area a boon for the area or a waste of developer’s contributions?

The £360,000 facelift of Parkstone Park or Ashley Cross Green was the focus of complaints from local businesses when Easter came and went and it was not fully restored to its previous glory.

“For this public amenity to be closed for six months was a disgrace,” said local businessman and resident David Tabb.

“At the very least, areas of work should have been sectioned off leaving the bulk of the amenity open to the public.”

Resident Bob Lister said he was “very disappointed”, there was not really a play area.

The new fountain was a great improvement but the water was filled with tree debris, he said.

The petanque pitches are rarely used and not very attractive with “horrible wooden fencing” and there were bare patches of ground and weeds, he added.

“Considering the amount of time the work has taken, it looked worse than before, but is it finished? I hope not,” he added.

However Winton visitor Geoff Beard found the public conveniences “presentable, clean and free” adding: “My congratulations also for the restored and fully-functioning fountain in the park.”

Jane Jones, who organises the annual Party in the Park, questioned where the money had been spent but described the play park as “wacky” and “interesting”.

She added: “It was a pleasure to drive past and see families enjoying it, because they were. It used to be dog walkers and office staff.”

Clive Smith, head of leisure services, Borough of Poole pointed out the work was funded entirely by developer contributions and the scheme was heavily influenced by local businesses and the residents, who were consulted back in 2007.

“We really appreciate everyone’s patience while the park has been closed and hope residents and visitors thoroughly enjoy the improvements we have made for many years to come,” he said.