As government reorganisation ties part of the forest to Southampton, local people are angry
ella Keable could not hold back the tears as she explained how her family had lived in the forest for centuries, making a living among the trees, loving the tight-knit feel of the place. “I’m sorry,” she said as the emotion got too much. “But the forest is part of our souls.”
Keable is among thousands of people protesting against the UK government’s decision to split up the administration of the New Forest as part of local government reorganisation.
A swathe of the eastern end of the forest, which is famed for its free-roaming ponies and pigs, will become part of a new authority, South West Hampshire, which includes the city of Southampton. The other chunk of forest will come under a second new authority, Mid Hampshire.
Many of those living in the eastern portion are angry, feeling they are being “annexed” and hating the idea of city-focused politicians having a say over their rural lives.
