New Forest National Park Authority shows support for Public Space Protection Orders set to be introduced this summer

PLANS to bring in laws to fine people feeding livestock or lighting barbecues in the New Forest will empower the public to speak up, the chair of the national park authority has suggested.

When proposals for Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO) were discussed by NPA members at a recent meeting, however, concerns were raised over how the orders would be enforced and by whom.

But NPA chair Gavin Parker said: "The aspiration of the PSPO is not only to empower officers to enforce but I think it is to empower all of us to have a voice in this to say, 'Look it clearly states there is a legal request that you desist from this or that'.

"I'm rather hopeful that as a wider population there will be more mutual regulation, self-regulation will be promoted."

As reported in the A&T, New Forest District Council launched a consultation into plans to create two PSPOs.

If approved, they will make a criminal offence of lighting fires and barbecues as well as the feeding and petting of ponies, horses, mules and donkeys.

Failure to comply with a PSPO can result in either a fixed penalty notice being issued to a maximum of £100, or prosecution through the courts with a maximum fine of £1,000.

Steve Avery, NPA executive director for strategy and planning, added: "It is hugely frustrating if you're out on the Forest – and I have been out with our lead ranger – when you intervene and speak to someone and ask them to desist from feeding a pony.

"Then you walk back to your vehicle and turn around and they've gone and done exactly the same thing."

He added: "With the weight of a PSPO behind you I think it gives a greater deterrent when you can issue a on-the-spot penalty notice and I think people will take more notice of what you're saying."

Deputy chair Patrick Heneghan said the orders would be "a tool of last resort", adding: "The rangers have been excellent at trying to educate people, talk to people and in most cases it works, but in some it doesn't and there are persistent offenders.

"That is really where we need the strength of the PSPO. It will be interesting to see how many times they have to use those, and we're hoping not often."

A final decision is set to be made by NFDC following the end of the six-week public consultation.

The debate came after police attended Janesmoor Pond near Fritham last Thursday evening after being notified of people having a barbecue.

A Facebook post by officers said the group was informed of the existing ban and the fire was extinguished.