RICHARD Howse relies on his dog Hamish for everything - from opening doors to taking washing out of the machine.

The one thing he wants to do for his faithful friend in return is to take him for a walk in the Forest by himself, but it is proving impossible.

Mr Howse, who is disabled by multiple sclerosis, wants access to Dibden Inclosure improved so that everyone in the community can enjoy it.

"It's lethal trying to cross there," said Richard, 57.

"I don't use the Forest any more on my own and have to have my wife Jenny with me to drive us there."

To get to the Forest, Mr Howse first has to cross the notoriously busy A326 on his electric scooter near the Heath roundabout, then try to negotiate his way down a steep dip and open a gate to get into the Inclosure.

Residents are currently campaigning for a safer crossing to be installed on the road, which divides Hythe and Dibden Purlieu from the New Forest.

Frank Harrison, 83, of Noads Way, died crossing the A326 at Dibden Purlieu last month when he was hit by a car.

Hamish was trained by charity Canine Partners for Independence, which aims to transform the lives of people with disabilities.

Mr Howse, of Lambourne Close, Dibden Purlieu, said: "At the moment we have to go to a local play area but quite often we don't see another person or dog."

The former service engineer, who was diagnosed with MS ten years ago, wrote to Hampshire County Council about the issue in 2000 when even crossing the A326 was unthinkable for someone on a scooter.

Mr Howse was pleased when dropped kerbs later appeared, the pedestrian crossing island was extended and a path was laid by the gate.

But the first time he tried to take seven-year-old Hamish for a walk at the Inclosure was his last.

The land surrounding the gate was boggy because wet weather and the gravel embankment was so steep that he nearly fell out of his vehicle.

A county council spokesman said: "The county council has not been made aware of any concerns about the gate but would be happy to consider any specific issues about accessing the Forest."