Concerns of abuse by e-scooter riders raised as town councillors discuss proposed Green Loop footpath network around New Milton, Ashley and Walkford

Concerns of potential abuse by e-scooter riders were raised as councillors reviewed a scheme aimed at encouraging more walking in New Milton.

The Green Loop network of routes forms part of the vision set out in the New Milton Neighbourhood Plan, with all of it being walkable and some suitable for cyclists.

It includes a path through Ballard Wood to Ballard meadow and passes through the Doe Copse Estate, then along Walkford Lane and part of Gore Road.

The network also goes along Becton Lane, linking to Ashington Park, the back of Tesco, off Caird Avenue, to Carrick Wood, and then on through to Ashley recreation ground.

The scheme aims to cut down on the number of car journeys being made within the area it covers.

Town council amenities chairman Cllr Geoffrey Blunden highlighted to a recent committee meeting the network’s circular design with spokes linking the town centre to key areas such as Barton and Barton Common.

Cllr Kani Trehorn cited the potential trouble with e-scooter riders, but Cllr Blunden replied this was a wider nationwide challenge beyond the town council’s remit.

This fear was echoed by Cllr David Hawkins, who said: “This is a place to walk and enjoy the scenery, not to have e-scooters buzzing through and knocking you over.”

The chairman confirmed community infrastructure levy (CIL) funds had been allocated to cover sections of the route, with a focus on addressing the worst areas first.

Cllr Madalaine Craze pointed out the path adjacent to the railway station was in a poor condition.

Confirming it is a Hampshire Right of Way, town council estates and facilities manager Mark Jeffries said it was also outside the town council’s remit.

But he added small repairs could be carried out under its service level agreement, while the wide issue would again be reported to the county council.

However, Cllr Blunden said: “The budget on footpaths and rights of way with HCC is virtually non-existent, which is why we’ve had to pick up some of the work ourselves.”

Regarding signage for the Green Loop network, he explained HCC and New Forest District Council were working on this to ensure it was consistent.

The chairman added: “I’m pleased that we’re at least making progress and that the green routes are being brought up to date.”