NEW Forest Verderers have said "No" to motorised safari tours for disabled people on forest tracks.

Forestry Commission chiefs had asked the Court of Verderers for permission on behalf of a private operator which wanted to run tours in a specially adapted vehicle.

The operator wanted disabled people to be able to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the forest like able-bodied people.

But the scheme ran into opposition from the New Forest Commoners' Defence Association and the New Forest Association at the Verderers' April court.

Both organisations thought giving permission would set a precedent.

Commoners' Defence Association committee member Michael Cooper said: "While fully understanding the needs and requirements of the physically less able, it is felt that in time this permission could, if granted, be manipulated and result in the opening of the floodgates for all kinds of vehicular activities."

He said there was no comparison between motorised vehicles and horse-drawn wagons, which are used to give tourists rides in Burley and Brockenhurst.

The motorised safaris would have involved daily tours leaving Lyndhurst, one taking in forest tracks and inclosures between the Canadian War memorial to Burley and the other between Matley and Ladycross.

But after behind closed doors discussion, the Verderers this week announced their decision.

Official Verderer Oliver Crosthwaite Eyre refused permission on the basis the tours would have a detrimental effect on other recreational users.

It would also set "an undesirable precedent, bring extra man-made noise and pollution to the area and, lastly, introduce an intrusion into the more remote parts of the forest which is incompatible with the wilderness quality of the area."

First published: May 19