Rethink on cards over Forest plan (From Bournemouth Echo)

Rethink on cards over Forest plan

9:35am Friday 13th February 2009 in

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NATIONAL Park bosses have vowed to think again over their controversial plans for the New Forest after thousands backed a campaign demanding they revise the blueprint which sparked fury.

A petition signed by 7,200 people was presented to parliament urging the government to force the National Park Authority to scrap its new plan, which could include road tolls, dog-free car parks and tighter restrictions on horse keeping.

An authority spokesman said: “The management plan is a draft document. We’re arranging working groups and other events to revise controversial elements. Some parts will undoubtedly be changed.”

But the authority’s assurance received a cautious reaction from Tina Cant, one of the four women who founded Forest Uprising.

She said: “Since October, when they realised the strength of our support, they have been making noises about changing the plan. How much are they prepared to change? We’re not going to be bought off with token gestures.

“When it comes to recreational horse keeping, 99 per cent of the proposals are unrealistic.”

The petition was delivered to the House of Commons by Forest MPs, Dr Julian Lewis and Desmond Swayne. An accompanying letter describes some proposals as draconian and adds: “They will have far-reaching repercussions on the quality of life, livelihood and freedom of many occupants.”

A spokesman said the authority was planning to meet Forest Uprising and other objectors in a bid to find a way forward. Any proposed changes to the draft management plan would be discussed by authority members, possibly in the summer.