Published on Friday 23 October 2020
T
The popular Undercliff Drive car park is re-opening on Saturday 24 October following months of closure due to social distancing concerns along the promenade.
BCP Council temporarily closed car parks along with other services when the national lockdown came into force in March. When the decision was made to re-open car parks so that local people could enjoy the beaches, parks and open spaces in their area, Undercliff Drive car park remained closed to the public as concerns were raised over the ability to allow pedestrians sufficient room to maintain social distancing while cars were parked along the promenade at Boscombe.
As we have now moved into the autumn / winter season the number of people walking along the promenade has reduced to a level that has enabled us to safely and partially re-open the car park with 230 spaces.
Representing East Cliff and Springbourne, ward Councillor Anne Filer commented:
"The re-opening of this car park is very welcome. The closure was necessary to ensure the safety of beach-goers during the busy summer season. But now that it is open, the many residents and visitors who enjoy driving to this beautiful seaside car park can do so once again."
Fellow ward Councillor David Kelsey added:
"We know the closure of this car park has been an inconvenience to some of our residents. However our priority is always the safety of our residents. We hope the re-opening of this car park will encourage people to return and use the amenities available."
Ward Councillor Roberto Rocca commented:
"Keeping our residents and visitors safe has been vitally important during this pandemic which is why we decided not to reopen Undercliff Drive car park over the summer. In line with social distancing we are now able to re-open safely and ask that everyone complies with this and respects each other.
"We are a vibrant community with an outstanding quality of life and we hope the re-opening of this car park will enable more people to get out in the fresh air and enjoy this beautiful location safely once again."