Plans are underway to improve Ferndown town centre. It addresses parking and safety with community input.
Shopkeepers and residents asked about the removal and wonder why the trees and plants disappeared. On-street parking was important for renewal. Parkes feels excluded from discussions on the area, saying the exclusion is inexplicable. It’s happening in his ward’s heart and they keep campaigning.
Jon Andrews says the planters posed a safety risk. A survey found the trees were failing, so authorities removed those trees, too. Dorset Council is working with Ferndown Town Council to create options for Victoria Road.
The councils will cost these options, considering the current pavement parking issues. Both councils will find a suitable budget together. Plans are coming, and residents can give feedback soon. Business owners get consulted at that time.
Highway Improvements manage the design and build. The Local Transport Plan provides funding. The team was briefed in late January 2025 and are planning the project right now.
They plan to contact the Town Council soon, and ward members can discuss details, too. They will identify the area’s aspirations, for example, a Christmas market. More detailed talks help ensure the proposals accommodate needs.
The project schedule is in development currently, with no implementation date at this time. The team will discuss scoping in late February. Working with local members, they want to approach the town council in late March and can discuss and refine the emerging options.
Feasibility options should be ready by May 2025. Ferndown Town Council will lead public engagement then, making this a combined effort between the councils. Ferndown Town Council will own future infrastructure and manage that infrastructure going forward. It is thus important Ferndown take the lead, and the design team will speak to ward members. Discussions about scoping will be more detailed.