NEW Forest pressure group One Voice has said it is time to put away misgivings or distrust of the National Park Authority and to work with the new leadership.

The organisation has welcomed the news that the National Park Authority has provided more time for people to scrutinise its revised draft plan when it is published in the autumn.

Sue Baillie of One Voice said the organisation was “absolutely delighted to receive the long awaited news from the NPA that we will have more time to read the revised park plan as called for in our recent ongoing petition”.

The group says that in the initial consultation stage there was a lack of communication between the National Park Authority and local people.

Now the document will be split into two: the Management Plan and the Core Strategy.

This, the NPA’s interim chief executive Barrie Foley said, will make it easier to understand.

He has allowed two weeks after the draft Management Plan goes to the authority in October for people to read an comment on it.

Sue Baillie confirmed that a public meeting would be held on Tuesday, September 1 and One Voice would be assisting with arrangements.

“Barrie Foley has made a remarkable and positive impact in taking things forward during the short time he has been with the NPA,” she said.

“On his second day in office Barrie made a point of contacting One Voice and as a result, we were able to put him in contact with many other groups in the New Forest.

“This has resulted in a two-way dialogue, which was never achievable before his arrival at South Efford House.

“These groups, and others, will now have the opportunity to help revise the wording to the current park plan.”

And she added: “It is time to put aside any misgivings or distrust from the past and look forward to new beginnings that will become possible under this new leadership.”

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