Call to scrap controversial Forest plans (From Bournemouth Echo)

Call to scrap controversial Forest plans

7:00am Wednesday 19th November 2008 in

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NATIONAL Park bosses are facing calls to scrap their controversial blueprint for the New Forest after receiving 9,000 responses.

The far-reaching proposals, including curbs on dog walking, tighter restrictions on keeping horses and the introduction of road tolls, have sparked an avalanche of objections.

Forest residents say the National Park Authority is threatening their traditional way of life.

The authority has received a flood of letters and emails, plus a petition signed by 7,200 people, since the proposals were published three months ago.

New Forest East MP Dr Julian Lewis said: “I suspect the vast majority of responses are against. The authority should seriously consider whether it wishes to continue foisting its narrow view on people who live and work there.”

New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne added: “Of the hundreds of responses I’ve had only three were in favour. The authority should go back to the drawing board. The Forest needs protecting but they’ve picked the wrong targets. Horse riders and dog walkers are not a threat.”

The proposed new restrictions are contained in the National Park Plan and the Recreation Management Strategy.

Authority chairman Clive Chatters said: “We’ve heard and understood people’s concerns. While issues surrounding horses, dogs and road-pricing have dominated the headlines, most of the plan proved largely uncontroversial.”