MOTORISED "safari" tours for the disabled are being proposed for the New Forest's tracks.

The vehicle used would be modified for disabled people so they could enjoy the sights and sounds of the national park.

But plans for the commercial operation ran into opposition from the New Forest Commoners' Defence Association and the New Forest Association at the Verderers' April court.

The organisations were reacting to a proposal from the Forestry Commission asking the Verderers for permission for the tours, mainly on public roads, but partly on New Forest tracks.

Michael Cooper of the Commoners' Defence Association 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 floodgates for all kinds of vehicular activities."

He said there was no comparison between motorised vehicles and horse-drawn wagons.

"We see no such comparison and would urge the Verderers to refuse consent at this stage of the proceedings, rather than have to deal with it at a later date by which time it will have become a far more complicated matter," he added.

Peter Roberts, vice-chairman of the watchdog New Forest Association, said the Forestry Commission had been recently been running "safari" tours which had caused some concern.

"It is now proposing commercialisation of that process without the checks implied by using its own trained staff," he said.

"Whenever direct control of leisure activities is removed from Forestry Commission hands there is potential for misuse."

Daily tours would operate from Lyndhurst. Two routes are proposed, taking in tracks and inclosures from the Canadian War Memorial to Burley and from Matley to Ladycross.

Forestry Commission dep-uty surveyor Mike Seddon believes the scheme would lead to better understanding of the forest, improve the rural economy and allow disabled people to enjoy access normally available to the able-bodied.

No decision will be made public until the Forestry Commission is consulted.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Would tours of the New Forest be a good idea? Call the New Forest office on 01590 613803 or e-mail chris.yandell@soton-echo.co.uk