A RINGWOOD road has been named after the town council's 'father figure'.

The primary road in the new Beaumont Park estate has been named for Neville James Chard, who died aged 88 in 2017.

Chard Lane traces a route through the Linden Homes development.

Cllr Chard's partner Jenny Bursey, daughter Sarah Layzell and grandson Lincoln joined town councillors to unveil the sign last week.

Ms Bursey said: "Neville would be absolutely delighted that a road has been named after him in the town that he loved.

"It’s great to see the sign so prominent just off the main road. Those that knew Neville will drive past and see it.

"It’s a great way to keep his memory alive.”

Cllr Chard served on the town council from 1973 until his retirement in 2015. His colleagues knew him as the 'father' of the council.

In 2010, he was made an honourary freeman of Ringwood in recognition of his service to residents. He is currently the only person to have been awarded the title.

He was renowned for his 65-year association with Bisterne United Football Club, playing for the side as a young man before serving as club secretary for more than half-a-century.

He also worked as a postman in the Ringwood area for a similar length of time.

Cllr Chard's political career began in 1970 when he joined the former Ringwood and Fordingbridge Rural District Council. Three years later he became one of the first members of the newly formed New Forest District Council, remaining on the authority until 1987.

He was chairman of the town council three times, as well as chairing every committee over the years.

Representatives from Linden Homes approached the town council last year to request approval for the road name.

Jo Dixon, the company's marketing manager, said: "It felt very fitting to name a new road in this exciting new development in honour of such an influential figure in the community.”

Beaumont Park lies on land off Crow Lane and Crow Arch Lane.