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You are here: Home > News > Solar Power Lights The Way To Upton Country Park

• Solar power lights the way to Upton Country Park

• Date:

  16th January 2008

• Contact:

  Sarah Egerton

• Organisation:

  The Civic Trust

Campaigners are celebrating after their efforts secured a new state-of-the-art, solar powered bus shelter for Upton Country Park in Poole.

Workers and visitors getting the bus to this beautiful Green Flag Award winning site have seen the light as solar power lights up the shelter on dark winter nights and sensors ensure the lights only come on when it is occupied, meaning there will be no wasted energy. The new bus shelter is also made with wood from sustainable resources meaning it is in keeping with its natural surroundings.

The bus shelter not only serves the public but also the staff who work at Upton Country Park. The on-site Peacock Tea Rooms provide valuable work experience for people with learning difficulties. It was these members of staff, supported by Poole Forum, who campaigned for the shelter by writing letters to the council and attending relevant committee meetings. This bus route provides them with an easy and convenient way to get to and from work and the bus shelter provides a safe and dry place for them to wait for the bus.

Cllr Mike White, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Transportation, said: “We are so lucky to have this fantastic Country Park close by, which used to be inaccessible for many people without a car. I know many residents living in Creekmoor, Waterloo and Oakdale who love gardens but haven’t been to Upton Country Park for many years. The provision of the 128 service with the added facility of the new shelter will enable them to visit regularly and enjoy the changing seasons throughout the year.”

Julian McLaughlin, Head of Transportation Services, said: ”Bus passenger numbers overall in Poole are increasing and services such as the 128 are becoming ever more popular. Increasing numbers of motorists are now using buses, instead of cars, to visit the park and this will reduce pressures on the car park too.”

Upton Country Park is managed by Borough of Poole and offers more than 100 acres of woodland, parkland and shoreline which is open and free to the public all year round.