Bridge and waterfront closed for lagoon repairs

A road and a popular waterfront path are to close for three months for repair work to preserve a saltwater lagoon.

Poole Park lagoon, in Poole, Dorset, is a wildlife haven and recreation facility, fed by a sluice channel under nearby Baiter Park and a railway line.

The sheet piling of the channel has become corroded and needs rebuilding so work is taking place from 28 July to November.

Walkers and cyclists will be diverted under the railway, through the subway or under Keyhole Bridge, which will be closed to traffic to protect pedestrians.

BCP Council said repairing the channel was vital to maintain the high salinity levels for rare wildlife living in the lagoon.

The timing of the work is to avoid disturbance to overwintering birds in Poole Harbour, which is a protected habitat.

Environment councillor Andy Hadley said: "Poole Park lagoon is not only a much-loved community facility but also the habitat for several rare and endangered species.

"These works will help to preserve and enhance the biodiversity of the lagoon in the long term, to the benefit of people and wildlife."

People walking or cycling from Poole Town and Baiter Park will be able to continue via the subway under the railway at the end of Catalena Drive, and a diversion alongside the lagoon in Poole Park.

Those from Whitecliff will be directed under Keyhole Bridge.

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