Category: Uncategorized

New Forest District Council (NFDC) prioritises black and clear sack waste collections as HGV driver shortages continue

New Forest District Council (NFDC) continues to experience pressures on its waste and recycling service in light of national HGV driver shortages.  

Today, NFDC’s Cabinet agreed its contingency plans, which will be implemented only if current staffing levels deteriorate. 

Cllr Steve Davies, NFDC portfolio holder for Environment and Coastal Services, said, “Due to national challenges, we continue to experience pressure on our waste and recycling collection services. Despite these challenges, our staff have worked extremely hard, and have been able to maintain weekly black and clear sack waste collections from 80,000 households in the district.

Prepare to stop for Forest animals this winter

With darker nights and the clocks changing this weekend drivers are warned to always be prepared to stop for New Forest animals.

November and December are the deadliest months for New Forest livestock as days become shorter and clocks go back with most accidents taking place between 5pm and 10pm on weekdays and involving local commuters.

Support to petition calling for speed camera on Roger Penny Way

At their full Council meeting (Monday 11 October 2021) NFDC considered a petition from the New Forest Speed Awareness Campaign asking the authority to add its support to calls for the introduction of an Average Speed Camera system on the B3078 (Roger Penny Way).  

The petition, which gained 3,557 signatures, read, ‘In light of the recent tragic deaths of three donkeys, two sheep and four ponies on the B3078 Roger Penny Way and the history of animal casualties on this route, that the District Council adds its support to calls for the introduction of an Average Speed Camera system on this route.’ 

Council faces ongoing shortage of drivers

New Forest District Council’s (NFDC) Leader, Cllr Edward Heron, has spoken about the ongoing situation with driver shortages and the likely disruption to the area’s waste and recycling services; asking for the public’s forbearance and support.
Speaking at the Council meeting on 11 October, Cllr Heron, said;

“Along with other councils, the ongoing shortage of staff and HGV drivers across the country is having an impact on some of our waste and recycling services.

Views sought on new planning rules for pop-up campsites to help protect the New Forest

A consultation on proposed new planning rules to regulate both new and larger temporary campsites has been launched.

The New Forest National Park has seen an increase in pop-up campsites in recent years and the National Park Authority is proposing that all temporary campsites over 50 pitches as well as all new temporary sites established since 1 March 2020 should be required to apply for planning permission to help protect the environment.

Supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs with free virtual business training

New Forest small businesses and entrepreneurs can get free virtual business training in October, thanks to a collaboration between New Forest District Council and other local authorities in Hampshire. The online business course will be provided by the Rebel Business School, aiming to help people looking to take the first steps in turning their business or self-employment ideas into a reality.

Restart for garden waste collection

NFDC announces restart date for garden waste collections but have to stop other waste services as staff shortages continue.

New Forest District Council will restart the garden waste service for current customers from 13 September, collecting every four weeks.  To allow for this, the bulky waste service for large household items will not take any new bookings until further notice, as the staff shortages continue.

On 19 July, the fortnightly garden waste collection service was suspended as the authority faced staff shortages, similar to many other councils in the country, due to self-isolation staff absences, and driver shortages.

Hitting the Cold Spots service

Hitting the Cold Spots service  – from the Environment Centre

We believe it’s vital that everyone can afford to stay warm and well in their homes. Many people, especially in rural areas, may be at risk of fuel poverty which can lead to severe health impacts. This may be due to extra challenges such older homes with poor insulation, reduced access to services and having off-gas fuel supplies.   

In preparation for the colder months, we ask you to refer or signpost vulnerable residents in your community, who may be elderly, on a low income or have chronic health conditions and disabilities, to us through our Freephone adviceline (0800 804 8601) or email staywarm@environmentcentre.com for advice and support regarding; 

• Broken heating 
• Insulation 
• Saving money on energy bills 
• Funding for home improvements and energy discount opportunities 
• Staying warm and well in your home 

This service is delivered by us at the Environment Centre (tEC) in partnership with Hampshire County Council. 

‘Your Future New Forest’

The ‘Your Future New Forest’ survey closes this week. Please fill out the survey if you haven’t already done so

Help shape your future New Forest 

Forest organisations are asking for your views on key priorities during the next five years for the New Forest National Park. The closing date is Friday 3 September.

A walk through time

Five new walking routes steeped in history and folklore have been launched by the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA).

The routes are the result of years of research and their rich heritage has been brought to life by specially-commissioned reconstruction drawings, dramatisations and folk songs.