THE public is being asked to have their say over plans to improve Victoria Road in Ferndown.

Dorset Council is looking at ways to make the street more attractive to visitors, as well as ways to improve road safety and make it more accessible to pedestrians.

This includes permanently restricting loading by vehicles, installing bollards to keep the footpath clear and bringing eight extra planters to the area to enhance the street.

Flagpoles displaying seasonal images have also been proposed, alongside 10 seating areas and seven cycle racks.

The upgrades follow inappropriate parking on footpaths which the council says creates safety hazards.

Drop-in events, hosted by Ferndown Town Council, will take place from October 14 in the theatre at the Barrington Centre in Pennys Walk.

An online survey will run from October 13 to November 15.

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Councillor Jon Andrews, Dorset Council cabinet member for place services, said: “We know how important Victoria Road is to the people of Ferndown, and we want to make sure the improvements reflect what residents and businesses value most.

The concept plan of the improvements Picture: Dorset Council

“These proposals complement a number of projects in Ferndown in recent years, including wider shared-use paths along Wimborne Road East, upgraded crossings and bus stops and improved junctions for better safety and accessibility. We’ve also recently installed new crossings on Church Road, helping to make journeys to school safer.”

Cllr Lawrence Wilson, Ferndown Town Mayor, said the proposals have been carefully designed to create a fresh and attractive feel for the road, whilst balancing the many constraints faced by the design team.

“We, like residents, had hoped that we would be able to include some trees in the design, but unfortunately the number of below-surface services, coupled with not being able to plant trees in the new planters, makes this impossible,” she said.

“The new planters, containing shrubs and plants, will provide the greenery along the street everyone is so keen to have.

“The town council is grateful to Dorset Council and Litter Free Dorset for their financial contributions, and I would also like to thank the Dorset Council officers who have dedicated so much time and energy to shaping these designs.”

Replanting trees is not possible due to undergrounds utilities, but both councils will reportedly ensure greenery is an “integral part of the improvements” with planters installed.

Accessibility will remain around the pedestrian crossing, bus lay-bys and private entrances.

Visitors to the engagement events will be able to view three design styles (eco, heritage and modern) and share their preferences for planters, benches, bins and flags.

Feedback will help inform the final design choices.

The improvements are planned to be installed by spring next year.

Click here to view the plans. 

Drop-in session details:

• Tuesday, October 14 – 2.30pm to 5.30pm
• Monday, October 20 – 4pm to 7pm
• Thursday, October 30 – 4pm to 7pm
• Thursday, November 6 – 9.30am to 12.30pm