TOURISM bosses will fight plans to shrink two popular New Forest campsites.

The New Forest Tourism Association (NFTA) has hit out at plans to reduce the number of plots at the Hollands Wood and Roundhill campsites near Brockenhurst.

The Forestry Commission plans to axe half the 600 pitches at Hollands Wood and reduce the size of the Roundhill site from 38 hectares to 31.

The cuts are aimed at safeguarding some of the most sensitive parts of the Forest.

In addition, the commission plans to construct two reception buildings and install 400 electrical points.

Chairman of the NFTA Steve Munn said the move would ultimately lower the number of tourists who visit the New Forest. He does support the plans to modernise the facilities.

The New Forest Committee, a group representing organisations across the district, wants to trim back the number of camping plots at the sites.

But Steve Munn said: "We support anything that improves the infrastructure. Hopefully it will attract and retain more visitors to the Forest.

"But I think it would be disappointing to reduce capacity.

"Our belief is that most campsites are fully booked in high season, so anything reducing capacity is going to reduce the number of people coming in to the New Forest and spending money in local businesses.

"I imagine we will want to make our views known in a more formal sense to the relevant bodies involved in the discussion."

Opposition has also been voiced on all aspects of the scheme by Richard Manley, chairman of the Commoners' Defence Association.

Mr Manley has rejected "any form of urbanisation" and suggested electric cables would be "extremely dangerous".

The New Forest Committee will discuss the issue next Tuesday at 10am in Appletree Court, Lyndhurst.