What New Forest residents say needs more attention right now
During Indie News Week, I asked readers, residents and businesses a simple question on social media:
What issue do you think deserves more attention in the New Forest right now?
Well, more than 160 responses later, the answers paint a fascinating picture of what people are really worried about across the district.
Unsurprisingly, Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) was the single most-mentioned issue. But beyond the political debate, many responses focused on the day-to-day challenges impacting people’s lives - from roads, transport and housing to healthcare, animal deaths on Forest roads and the impact of Forestry England parking charges.
While responses raised different concerns, several clear themes emerged.
Here’s what New Forest residents told me deserves more attention.
Local government and politics
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) was the single most-mentioned issue raised by readers, appearing in around 35 responses.
Many expressed concern about the proposed split of the New Forest between two new councils, with several describing it as the most important issue currently facing the area.
Roly’s response was simple: “LGR by a mile.”
Lee agreed, saying, “Local government reorganisation I think is the biggest issue affecting everyone in the New Forest and the one that seems to have created most anger. The New Forest District is a historic area and should not be split.”
However, while LGR dominated political discussion, many responses focused on the issues affecting everyday life across the New Forest.
Transport and roads
Transport and roads were mentioned 33 times, making them one of the most common concerns raised.
Several readers highlighted poor public transport links, particularly on the Waterside, while others raised concerns about road safety, congestion and infrastructure.
Claire said, “Transport - there’s hardly any. Many areas are cut off from other Waterside areas because of no or limited public transport.”
Denise added, “Definitely transport! We need a ferry and train.”
Others felt road safety deserved greater attention, particularly where it impacts both residents and animals using the Forest.
Housing and development
Many readers raised concerns about housing - the affordability, rental costs and the type of homes being built locally.
Katy said, “They are building more and more retirement properties (when existing ones are empty and hard to sell) and there is a shortage of properties for younger people to buy. There is a big shortage of rentals in the area too.”
Rae described the personal impact of being priced out of the area.
“The housing situation forced me, as a first-time buyer, to leave the area where my family and roots are. People often overlook the emotional cost of being priced out of your own community, but the impact on mental wellbeing can be significant.”
Another resident, who asked not to be named, said rising rents, second homes and short-term lets were making it increasingly difficult for local people to remain in the area.
“The rental market has gone crazy. Since Covid prices have gone up a good £400-£500 a month.”
Healthcare
Many readers highlighted difficulties accessing GP and dental services.
Several respondents said population growth and new housing developments were placing additional pressure on already stretched services.
Claire shared her experience of losing access to an NHS dentist while undergoing cancer treatment.
“I lost my NHS dentist mid chemo and desperately needed treatment whilst off work long term sick,” she said. “I had to go £2,000 into debt to be seen at a time where I desperately did not need the extra stress.”
Mental health services were also mentioned, with Suzanne calling for greater support for autistic young people and improved mental health provision.
Public services
Public services were mentioned less frequently but still generated strong feelings, particularly around New Forest District Council’s recent waste and recycling changes.
Pam shared, “To be honest, I just want my old bins back. I found the leaflets explaining the new system so confusing, and the bins don’t fit down my path so now make my previously pretty garden rather hideous.”
Another respondent, who works with elderly residents, raised concerns about accessibility.
“The elderly cannot physically lift the lid and throw a bag into the bins,” they said, adding that some residents were leaving waste beside bins, creating further issues with wildlife.
Environment and forest issues
Issues affecting the Forest itself were mentioned 35 times, making this the second most significant theme to emerge.
Animal deaths on Forest roads featured heavily, with many readers calling for stronger action to improve road safety.
Fiona said, “Livestock deaths due to speeding on forest roads.”
Sue called for lower speed limits and better enforcement “to reduce the number of livestock and ponies killed on the roads.”
The new Forestry England parking charges continue to generate significant discussion.
Lynn said, “Parking charges and having to use an app as machines don’t take cash.”
Several readers questioned the impact of the charges on both residents and visitors, while others raised concerns about the wider effect on local communities and businesses.
Economy, business, jobs
Business and economic concerns were mentioned less frequently but were often linked to Forestry England parking charges.
Gina said businesses in Burley were already feeling the effects.
“What you need to be looking at is the fact that businesses in areas such as Burley are losing money and getting no customers since the forest parking charges came in,” she said.
“It’s going to be disastrous for many businesses.”
Several respondents felt the economic impact of decisions affecting the Forest deserved closer attention in the months ahead.
What next?
While this was not a scientific survey, the responses provide an interesting snapshot of the issues currently on people’s minds across the New Forest.
While Local Government Reorganisation concerns dominated political discussion, many readers were equally concerned about housing affordability, access to healthcare, transport links, road safety and the future of the New Forest itself.
Perhaps most notably, many of these concerns are connected.
Housing growth, pressure on local services, transport infrastructure and environmental protection were frequently mentioned together, suggesting residents are thinking not just about individual issues, but about the future direction of the New Forest as a whole.
Thank you to everyone who contributed their views. More than 160 people shared their views for this article. Supporters help make community-focused journalism like this possible.
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