'We need to breathe new life into town'

A New Forest town has come under a stinging attack - from a charity which was launched to revitalise it.

New Milton has too many pensioners, not enough for young people, a high crime rate and an outdated town centre, according to a new report.

Also contained in the new Action Plan for New Milton and Barton on Sea is a pledge to reverse the ailing market town's fortunes.

Heads at the New Milton Town Partnership have promised to produce a "vital and vibrant" centre by 2015.

Dozens of new ideas on how to revitalise the community have been floated, such as giving the Barton sea front a makeover, organising more events for youngsters and traffic improvements.

Now all charity bosses need to launch the new schemes is a large cash injection.

Former financial adviser and partnership chairman Robin Ede said the steering group which replaced the New Milton Town Project Group had been launched as a charity to make it easier to obtain funding. It was set up by the town council earlier this year and its members include business and voluntary group representatives as well as local residents.

Mr Ede said: "The purpose of the New Milton Town Partnership is to try to bring funds on board from other sources. We're looking at how to modernise the town in the long-term.

"Being a charity we're able to attract funds which aren't necessarily available under normal circumstances. There are things in the pipeline."

A lack of jobs for the town's youngsters, poor development of the town centre, Barton on Sea's dilapidated sea front, traffic problems and an imbalance between the population of young and old come under fire in the 45-page action plan.

It is also reported that crime figures, while low considered against national statistics, are high for the New Forest area.

The town's strengths include the railway, its sports facilities and its scenic location near the coast in the New Forest.

Chris Perry, director of Age Concern Hampshire, said: "I think 51 per cent of people in New Milton are of retirement age so you would clearly expect facilities to cater for older people. If people have chosen to retire there and they are happy, then I can't see anything wrong with that."

The action plan has been produced by the New Milton Town Partnership in association with New Milton Town Council, New Forest District Council, Hampshire County Council, Business in the Community, the Countryside Agency and several volunteers living in the area.

Desmond Swayne, MP for New Forest West, said: "There's no doubt about it - New Milton faces a number of challenges.

"Youth projects are certainly a good idea in New Milton as it's been part of the problem.

"Top of my priorities would be CCTV and community safety wardens but I'm certainly very much in favour of greater provision for the town's youth."