Council rejects calls to pause new waste and recycling service
Your September news briefing for the New Forest
Hello! This week has the back-to-school vibes and it’s been raining constantly as I’ve put this edition together so it does feel like autumn is well and truly here.
Here’s what’s coming up in this edition…
What’s happened in the New Forest recently
Council rejects calls to pause new waste and recycling service
Latest crime figures
I have so many plans for this local publication sharing news and investigations from the New Forest and Hampshire (including a new name!), although due to my health and an ill-timed house move, I’ll have to pop some of those plans on pause this month.
As always, if you want to share any news or have an issue you’d like a journalist eye to dive into, email editor@newforestbusinessnews.co.uk.
Kerri L Watt
Editor
What’s happened recently in the New Forest…
Pennington Lib Dem Councillor Jack Davies announced running for Mayor of Hampshire and Solent.
The Malt pub building in Hythe has been given permission to change its use to a nursery despite hundreds of objections from locals. 94% of letters received by NFDC opposed the new site and 6% were in support.
Maritime archaeologists from Southampton University excavated an 18th century slipway, used to launch Royal Navy warships, during their summer project at Buckler’s Hard, Beaulieu.
Proposed plans for a travellers caravan site in Marchwood has not been well received by residents and a local councillor. Of the 47 public comments on the plans, 45 objected, and two were ‘neutral’.
Nominations are open for the New Forest Business Partnership awards until 30 September.
Michael Portillo visited Steff’s Kitchen at Fairweather’s Garden Centre in Beaulieu.
New Forest ‘drift’ pony roundup began in August running through to November. Check out which car parks and areas are closed during this time - click here.
Bodie the “only wolverine in Hampshire” has arrived at The New Forest Wildlife Park.
New Forest National Park Awards 2025 winners included Sway Butchers and Ringwood Repair Café.
New places opening…
Botanical café Tonic Rooms has opened at Sunnyfields Farm near Marchwood/Totton.
Pregnancy and postpartum wellness centre Autumn Rose opens in Lyndhurst this week.
The playpark at Lepe Country Park has reopened after a refurbishment.
A new “tabletop gaming megastore” Board on the Waterside is opening in Dibden Purlieu next month (in the old Capers unit).
In case you missed it…
Council rejects calls to pause new waste and recycling service
On September 03, New Forest District Council (NFDC) voted against delaying the rollout of its new waste and recycling service, despite concerns raised by some councillors.
In August, six councillors had requested an ‘extraordinary meeting’ to review, and potentially pause, the scheme which began in June. Phase one of the rollout introduced the new service to around 31,000 homes in Lymington and nearby villages.
The scheme is designed to modernise collections and improve recycling rates, but has faced criticism over operational issues.
During the Cabinet meeting, Cllr Jeremy Heron, Portfolio Holder for Finance, warned that halting the original plans could have cost NFDC at least £2.5m.
Cllr Malcolm Wade, one of the councillors requesting the rollout pause, said, “We've had a whole plethora of issues since the start of phase one. Part of this process has not been planned properly or we wouldn't have these problems.”
Addressing the Cabinet, Cllr Wade shared, "It is your responsibility as the administration - it's your watch when this has happened, it is down to you to fix it.”
Deputy Leader of the Cabinet, Cllr Steve Davies, said lessons from phase one would benefit later stages.
“Phase two and three will benefit from what phase one has learned. We should continue as we are and make sure we monitor and correct any issues as best as we can.”
“You put in actions to resolve it. We owe that to the people of the New Forest.”
Cllr Malcolm Wade
Cllr Derek Tipp added, “We should have confidence that the issues are being addressed. I think it's perfectly right that we should continue with it.”
Leader of the NFDC, Cllr Jill Cleary, concluded that the action plan in place was sufficient and recommended the Cabinet endorse continuing the service as planned.
Cabinet members agreed with Cllr Cleary’s recommendation and there will be no pause to the new waste service plans.
Phase two of the rollout is scheduled to begin in October 2025, with phase three following in March 2026.
Latest crime figures
The most recent police data shows 48 crimes were reported in the New Forest during June, the latest month with publicly available figures.
Of these crimes, 10 are violence and sexual offences, seven are vehicle crime, one shoplifting crime and five public order. Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst had the most offences sharing 54% of all reported crimes in the area.
Fun fact
‘Pannage’ will begin this month where pigs are turned out to eat fallen acorns and chestnuts to protect ponies and cattle from poisoning.
It is an ancient tradition dating back to the time of William the Conqueror, founder of the New Forest.
Around 600 pigs and piglets will roam free in the New Forest during pannage from September 15 to November 28 to forage this seasons acorn crop.