CAMPAIGNERS are taking to the streets in protest at the large number of animal accidents in a New Forest village.

Residents say 40 ponies have been killed or badly injured in collisions on Burley Road, Brockenhurst, in the past five years.

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A new pressure group called the South Weirs Action Group For Safety (SWAGS) has been formed to tackle the issue.

The group of pony owners and other residents will stage a demonstration on Saturday to highlight the problem of animal deaths in the parish.

Scores of placard-waving villagers will march thorough Brockenhurst to press their demand for a range of safety measures, including traffic calming and better enforcement of the 40mph speed limit.

SWAGS was formed in March after a pony crashed through a car windscreen, injuring the driver and his two passengers.

Last week members presented a 1,127- name petition to Pat Wyeth, chairman of New Forest Road Safety Council. The group is also planning to lobby Hampshire Police, Hampshire County Council and the New Forest National Park Authority.

Spokesman Ann Fannin said Burley Road was one of several animal accident blackspots in the Forest.

She added: “The issues of traffic speed, human casualties and animal deaths have been of concern to many organisations for a long time and there have been numerous meetings to discuss the best way forward.

“We understand and appreciate the work that has been done but feel that concerted action by ‘ordinary’ people is needed.

“We’re expecting a good turnout for the march.

“We spoke to local residents while gathering signatures for the petition and they’re in the mood for high visibility action.”

SWAGS is backing calls for the 40mph speed limit on all unfenced roads in the Forest to be reduced to 30mph to improve safety.