CLOSING a Poole road used as a rat run would be a "Draconian" measure, it has been claimed.

Coy Pond Road, close to the border of Poole and Bourne-mouth, will not be shut, despite the transportation advisory group recommending an experimental six-month closure.

Residents' representatives have lobbied both in favour and against the measure and Borough of Poole transportation portfolio holder Cllr Ron Parker said the consultation was far from clear-cut.

Concerns had been raised by residents that a mini-roundabout in Bourne Valley Road led to more motorists using Coy Pond Road, rather than Surrey Road.

Cllr Parker refused to agree to the temporary closure and, after consulting ward councillors, decided officers should look at options for low-cost traffic calming, including a one-way road.

"It creates a precedent," he said. "There are a number of roads in the borough that have similar problems and we feel that the closure of the road would cause difficulties for some of the residents living in the area.

"Really it was a very Draconian measure. We would really have to satisfy exceptional circumstances," he said.

He said there was a developer contribution of £5,000 to go towards a solution.

Branksome East ward councillor Mary Hillman said it was the speed rather than the volume of traffic that was of concern to residents and she would like to see a speed camera put in.

"A lot of people use it as a route to walk to school. How long before a child is killed? It's no good waiting until it happens," she said.

Ward councillor Jonathan Pethen welcomed the decision and said residents were divided about the closure.

"Most of them will be happy provided we come up with something that addresses the problem," he said.

First published: October 4