I HAVE always lived in the New Forest area, and still remember when the A31 and A35 were not fenced off. When life was a lot slower.

I wonder if any reader can remember, when there were not cattle grids on leaving/entering the actual New Forest?

Were there simply gates we had to open and shut?

I can recall my father having to stop the car and get out and open/shut gates.

I have lived in my road longer than anyone else now here. I do wonder, how many people in my village still live in the home they were born in.

As a family, we have been around the local area for centuries.

RICHARD GRANT

Bisterne Close, Burley