People planning to visit Hengistbury Head over the next few weeks need to be aware that the access road from the Visitor Centre up to the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) Lookout turnoff road will be closed from Monday 16 January for approximately two weeks.

The footpaths from the road to the MCA Lookout will then be closed for a further two to three weeks, whilst works continue.

Cllr Mark Anderson, portfolio holder for Environment and Place, said: “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 be using heavy machinery and digging trenches in the centre of the road so as not to disturb the delicate eco-systems and environment for which Hengistbury Head is well known.

“This does mean that it would simply not be safe to allow people to walk, cycle or drive along the road during the works. While the main road will be closed, access will still be open for people along the west side and up the path to the top of the headland.

“The MCA and their volunteer partners, the National Coastwatch Institute, play a vital role in assisting with the protection and preservation of life at sea. This work is needed to make sure they can continue to operate from the lookout protecting Poole Bay, Christchurch and Poole Harbours and the English Channel.”

During the installation works, access along the main Hengistbury Head road will be maintained for emergency vehicles only.

The Hengistbury Head Land Train and Land Rover service do not operate this time of year, however, Mudeford Ferry operate from Mudeford Quay, subject to favourable weather, at weekends during January.

Beach hut owners and businesses operating from Mudeford Spit, including the Beach House, have been given advanced notification of the works, which aim to be fully completed prior to February’s Half Term break.