ACTION is being taken to combat the problems being caused by hordes of people converging on a New Forest beauty spot in hot weather.
Forestry England has joined forces with other organisations, including the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA), following complaints about overcrowding at a popular riverside site known locally as Brock Beach.
It overlooks a narrow stretch of the Lymington River near Brockenhurst and is favourite destination for families who want to picnic and paddle.
Numbers have risen sharply following the recent easing of the lockdown, resulting in complaints about traffic congestion, erosion of the riverbank and the unauthorised sale of ice cream.
Hot sunshine often results in hundreds of people visiting Brock Beach to either sunbathe on the shingle or cool off in the shallow water.
Some youngsters have been spotted jumping off a neighbouring bridge which carries the A337 over the river.
The issue was raised at a meeting of the local parish council, with critics complaining that people turning up at the site were ignoring social distancing regulations.
One speaker also complained that rubbish including dog mess, dirty nappies and rotting food had been left behind by visitors.
Parish councillors were told that villagers had launched a WhatsApp, with dozens of members sharing concerns about the number of families flocking to the site.
A Forestry England spokesperson said: "We are working closely with local councils, the police, and other agencies to help manage popular locations across the New Forest.
"At this location it has recently included joint work to address parking and swimming concerns, and the area is regularly patrolled by several agencies.
"Ice cream sales are not permitted at this site and any vendors seen attempting to do so will be required to leave.”
Steve Avery, the NPA's executive director of strategy and planning, added: ‘We are in contact with Brockenhurst Parish Council and understand its concerns.
"We’re holding a meeting with the relevant Forest organisations and parishes to put a plan in place for the coming weeks."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article