Camping in the Forest under fire over decision to keep sites shut

Most of major campsites in the district are run by Camping in the Forest (CITF), which has decided to keep them closed until next summer because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Traders in the Lyndhurst area have already warned that the decision could result in their summer trade being slashed by 50%.

Now the leader of New Forest District Council, Cllr Barry Rickman, has said the cost to the local economy as a whole could run into millions.

In a statement he said: "Our estimate of the impact on the local economy from lost discretionary guest expenditure (50% occupancy of 3,105 pitches over the 87 days between 4th July and 28th September) is a 'conservative' £16 million.

"If you then add the cost of the associated loss of local employment, supply chain costs, their own revenue (a large proportion also spent locally by their staff) it's a staggeringly large figure.

"With the campsites closed it also has the potential to have a significant impact on the New Forest environment and community if camping visitors arrive and have no proper facilities to use.

"Recognising the potential adverse impact this could have on the New Forest, I requested the council's chief executive to engage with all partners, in addition to those mentioned earlier this includes both Hampshire County Council (transport issues) and the police (anti-social behaviour issues).

Cllr Rickman said he had written to the government and had also spoken to the Forest's two MPs.

He added: "I have personally spoken to requesting that they use whatever pressures are available to them to bring to bear on the company to reconsider their decision.

"This is a critical moment for everyone who cares about the visitor generated economy in the New Forest and the very fabric of the forest's cultural heritage.

"Efforts are being made to identify whether in the medium term any other local operators could extend their operations to offer more campsite pitches.

"I am hopeful and will update members on the progress we can make with partners on providing this to offset the current loss of campsites, should CITF not reconsider their decision."

In a statement issued on June 24 CITF conformed that all its sites across the UK, including those in the Forest, would stay shut until next summer.

It added: "It has been an extremely difficult decision to make and followed a careful review that considered many different factors but concluded that it is not viable to re-open the campsites from a safety, operational and financial perspective for the remainder of this year.

"We fully understand the disappointment this will cause campers, staff and our partnering businesses within the local area of the campsites.

"Safety and wellbeing will always be our primary concern and from an operational position, Camping in the Forest sites pose unique challenges in the current circumstances, which has meant we would be unable to meet our high hygiene standards and adhere to government guidance on social distancing and gatherings, together with new measures for the running of campsites.

"This will be a big disappointment to all Camping in the Forest customers and the organisation has been in touch with them to offer sincere apologies. Automatic refunds will be provided in full to all who have a booking.

"Despite the disappointing position for the 2020 season Camping in the Forest remains fully committed to all its campsites and the communities that they sit within.

"Our local relationships and working in partnership remain key and we will continue to oversee and manage all of our campsites in the usual way during the closed period.

"This will include working closely with all local agencies, communities and stakeholders to ensure our campsites continue to be maintained and kept to the high standard we pride ourselves in, nestled amongst the beautiful locations our campsites are within."