CAMPAIGNERS planning to protest against plans to stage medieval jousting tournaments in the New Forest have won a brief reprieve in their long-running fight.

The row over the tournaments at Black Knoll Barn in Brockenhurst centres upon concerns from local residents over increased noise and large amounts of traffic through the rural village.

Critics, including district and parish councillors as well as New Forest residents, believe the events could ruin the character of the popular New Forest beauty spot.

The jousting, staged by Geoff and Val Winship, was due to start this weekend under a temporary licence but has been postponed as organisers work with the district council to iron out issues with the seating.

A licensing committee at New Forest District Council on June 8 will decide if the couple can be granted a permanent licence.

Villagers were planning to meet yesterday at the site to demonstrate their opposition but with the event temporarily cancelled, have called off the protest.

District councillor Maureen Holding said: “Black Knoll is really just fields with a couple of houses, which are very near to where the jousting will be.

“It’s a very narrow lane and to try and get hundreds of cars through there is ridiculous. Not only will there be increased noise, but also disruption to everyone in the area.

“People are very concerned but there is relief that we have won a battle, although the war is still continuing.”

Owner of the premises, Alan Girling said: “If we’re not careful, people will see the New Forest as being unfriendly. It’s incredibly frustrating.

“All the organisers want to do is give people somewhere to go in the forest when the weather is bad.

“The thought of children having to cross a picket line to get to this attraction is awful. The noise will be no louder than children laughing and it’s only until around 5pm.”