A big thank you to all residents who have shared their concerns and suggestions regarding the proposed road closure and diversion route. In response, the Parish Council contacted both Dorset Council and South Coast Traffic Management to pass on those concerns and ask whether alternatives or limited access could be considered. Here is a summary of their joint response:

Why the Road Must Close:

Although alternatives such as traffic signals, light vehicle access, and suspending the High Street one-way system were explored, these were found to be unworkable due to:

• The need to manage multiple nearby junctions (West Street, B3162 south, Clanden Hill), which would require a complex signal system with long delays and a high risk of drivers ignoring red lights.
• Narrow sections of road (especially near The Old George) where vehicles cannot queue safely.
• The risk of blocked junctions, signal syncing issues, and congestion throughout the village.

In addition, the scale of the work — including major tree surgery, use of heavy machinery, and excavation for a new wall structure — means it is not safe or practical to keep the road open during construction.

Reducing the Disruption:

To minimise disruption, the contractor has proposed working round the clock, including extended hours and night work, in an effort to complete the works in one week instead of two, if approval is granted.

Next Steps:

The Parish Council is currently waiting for confirmation of the final traffic management plan from Dorset Council and the contractor. We will share this with residents as soon as it is received. Thank you for your ongoing patience and feedback. We are working to ensure the community remains fully informed throughout.