by Lorraine Gibson.

It is hoped that the short-term closure of part of Hengistbury Head, one of the area’s favourite spots for family outings, will end in time for the February half-term holidays.
Cable installation works necessitated closing off the access road from Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre up to the Maritime Coastguard Agency Lookout turnoff road for approximately two weeks.

Councillor Mark Anderson, portfolio holder for environment and place, explains: “Hengistbury Head is an incredibly popular visitor destination. It’s also a site of special scientific interest (SSSI), which is why we need to take extra care during these works to install vital infrastructure linking to the MCA radio station.
“Contractors will use heavy machinery and dig trenches in the road so as not to disturb the delicate eco-systems for which Hengistbury Head is known.
“This does mean that it would not be safe to allow people to walk, cycle or drive along the road.”

During the installation works, access along the main Hengistbury Head road has been maintained for emergency vehicles only. The Hengistbury Head Land Train and Land Rover service do not operate at this time of year, however Mudeford Ferry operates from Mudeford Quay, weather permitting, at weekends.