BCP Council to vote on Pokesdown Station funding

Pokesdown Station could receive £2.6m to go towards refurbishments and accessibility.

Committee will vote at the BCP Council cabinet meeting tonight whether to approve funds for the transport project.

Andy Jones, BCP Councillor for Boscombe East and Pokesdown, explained how accessibility is the key focus for the funding.

“Accessibility has been the main thrust of the campaign from day one making it fully accessible to all the groups in the community.”

Cllr Jones also confirmed what the funding will be if it goes forward.

“If we can get the go ahead tonight, that will see lifts installed and a refurbishment of the main entrance area and perhaps the entire station.”

South Western Rail and Network Rail have already agreed to part-fund the project however the future of the plans are resting on tonight’s vote.

The campaign started around 11 years and the BCP meeting sees a “huge opportunity” for the plans.

Cllr Jones explains the background into tonight’s big vote.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Buzz Bournemouth (@buzzbournemouth)

Pokesdown Station has seen a number of suicides but despite this, the funding is fully aimed towards accessibility.

Network Rail have added suicide prevention methods such as fencing to the station which also helps with issues around trespassing.

The BCP Council meeting takes place tonight at 7pm in the Bournemouth International Centre.