The scheme was not planned to close the area to cars or prevent cliff top parking, but only to remove the through traffic.

Cllr Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for Transport, BCP Council commented, “As part of the response to COVID-19, it’s clear to see that the way we travel is changing, and as we head towards the new normal – going back to school and returning to workplaces – we want to support people to choose to travel more sustainably for shorter journeys.”

However, he added that because of the concerns of local people, the council needed to pause the plan and to seek further views.

He said, “We are keen to work with the local community on the extent and location of low-cost experimental measures in this area, and we need the views of those living, working in, and passing through the shopping areas of Southbourne Grove, Beechwood and Wentworth Avenue, Parkwood, Seabourne and Southbourne Road in order to shape a future scheme.

“We must recognise that doing nothing will not solve congestion, or deliver on our climate emergency response, and that some of the respondents were keen to see the scheme implemented. We are still keen to implement a scheme in this area.

“We intend to pursue the remaining schemes already in progress as part of phase one and we had already planned that if we are successful with funding for phase two work, this would be done in a different way with early consultation given available time. A scheme for Boscombe and Southbourne will become part of that phase two work.”