Published on Tuesday 21 December 2021
Residents and visitors to Christchurch are once again able to use Ducking Stool Walk in Christchurch, following the complete replacement of the boardwalk.
The public right of way, which runs alongside the Mill Stream, has reopened thanks to funding from BCP Council, The Kings Arms Hotel, Priory Mews Management Company and Christchurch Town Council. Ducking Stool Walk boardwalk is a key part of the town’s character and BCP Council is committed and proud to adopt the popular right of way.
The construction works, carried out by BCP Council’s Neighbourhood Services Team, took approximately eight weeks to complete. The replacement of the boardwalk will now allow this popular right of way to be fully adopted by BCP Council.
Councillor Nigel Brooks, Lead Member for High Street Renaissance, BCP Council, said: "I was happy to start to unlock the issues that residents faced and make progress to a shared financial funding settlement. This has enabled the path to be rebuilt and opened for not only the residents of Christchurch, but also importantly visitors who follow the town trail to the historic Ducking Stool on the mill run watercourse.
"Thanks to the combined efforts of Christchurch Town Council, Priory Mews Management Company and the Kings Arms Hotel, we have been able to enter into the Public Private Partnership to finance this project.
"I would like to also take this opportunity to thank the residents of Priory Mews, and the wider Christchurch community, for their patience and understanding during the duration of this project. The new path looks great and I’m pleased that after a period of uncertainty, we were able to support this project for the benefit of everyone."
Deputy Mayor of Christchurch, Councillor Avril Coulton, added: "Now this walkway is fully open, we must thank Maureen King, Chair of the Priory Mews Management Committee, who has worked tirelessly for over two years for this to come to fruition, supported by Christchurch Citizens Association and Christchurch Town Council, who has financially contributed towards this successful conclusion."
Ducking Stool Walk boardwalk improvements cost £136,500 and has an expected design life of 25 years.