Footbridge Closure at Farnley’s Mead

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The footbridge at Farnley’s Mead has been closed due to its deteriorating condition. Ensuring public safety is our highest priority, and the closure has been implemented to prevent any potential risks to residents and visitors.

Our officers are working diligently to progress the necessary repairs and replacement. However, work can only proceed as quickly as the procurement process allows, including obtaining quotes and scheduling contractors for fitting and replacement.

We appreciate the patience and understanding of the community during this time and will provide updates as soon as further information becomes available.

Find out when the new waste collections will start for your household

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Over the next couple of weeks New Forest District Council will be sending residents in the phase 1 area (Lymington and Pennington) information on how new waste collections will work for their household, key dates, and support for eligible households. More information is available on their website: https://newforest.gov.uk/article/3809/Changes-to-recycling-and-rubbish-collections-from-2025-to-2026


Local Plan - Issues and Scope Regulation 18 Consultation

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As part of the process for creating the next Local Plan, New Forest District Council has published its Issues and Scope Regulation 18 Consultation Document which is open for public consultation from Monday 17 February 2025 to Friday 4 April 2025. The document can be both viewed and comments made on here: https://www.newforest.gov.uk/localplan.

The new Local Plan will set the Council’s development guidelines, allocate sites, and establish the vision for the New Forest District outside of the National Park. This Issues and Scope Consultation is the first formal public consultation in this process and provides an opportunity to comment on what our main priorities should be and suggest solutions to challenges faced by the plan area. Responses made on this Issues and Scope Consultation will be taken into consideration as work on the new Local Plan progresses. 

Drop-in events

As part of the Issues and Scope Consultation, we are also holding a series of public drop-in events across the plan area from 2pm-7pm on the following dates. These events will be staffed by members of our planning team and provide people with the opportunity to come and find out more about the Local Plan Issues and Scope.

26th February - Fordingbridge - Avonway Community Centre, SP6 1JF
27th February - Lymington - Lymington Community Centre, SO41 9BQ 
28th February - Hythe & Didben - St Andrews Church, Dibden Purlieu, SO45 4PT
3rd March - New Milton - New Milton Memorial Centre, BH25 6DE
4th March - Totton - West Totton Community Centre, SO40 8WU
5th March - Marchwood - Lloyd Recreation Hub (Lloyds Rec Ground), SO40 4SX
7th March - Ringwood - Greyfriars Community Centre, BH24 1DW 

Call for Sites

Alongside this consultation, we will also be running a further Call for Sites which is an opportunity to suggest possible additional sites to the Council that may be suitable for development or that could be used in a more productive way or for a more beneficial use. Any sites previously submitted in late 2024 do not need to be resubmitted. More information on the Call for Sites 2025 and how you can put forward sites for consideration is found at: www.newforest.gov.uk/article/2766/Further-Call-for-Sites. The closing date for site submissions is Friday 4 April 2025.

Formal consultations to be requested on proposed mergers of infant and primary schools

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Local residents in Fareham and Lymington could be asked for their views on the possible mergers of two infant schools with two junior schools in their areas

Feb 4 2025

 On Wednesday, 12 February, Hampshire County Council’s Cabinet Lead Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Roz Chadd, will consider whether to approve formal consultations on the proposed mergers of Orchard Lea Infant and Junior Schools in Fareham, and Pennington Church of England Infant and Junior Schools in Lymington.

It comes as both Orchard Lea schools have been identified for potential investment as part of the Government’s School Rebuilding Programme, which carries out major rebuilding and refurbishment projects at schools. Currently, the infant and junior schools belong to the same federation and share the same headteacher and governing body but operate out of two separate buildings. Should the Government funding be agreed, the preferred option for both Hampshire County Council and the schools’ governing body would be to create a single primary school based in one building, ensuring fewer running costs and therefore providing greater financial sustainability in the long term. If approved, the new school would accommodate a projected demand of 60 pupils in each year group (Reception to Year 6) and would open in July 2028.

The proposal to merge Pennington Church of England Infant and Junior Schools has arisen following a decline in pupil numbers. As school funding is directly linked to the number of pupils, this has resulted in significant budget pressures at both schools with associated impacts on their long-term stability. Merging the two schools would ensure a more resilient financial position, staffing structure and settled pupil numbers. If agreed, this would be achieved by closing the infant school and extending the age range of the junior school to become a primary with 30 children in each year group (Reception to Year 6), with effect from 1 January 2026.

Both proposals would remove the current requirement for pupils to move from Year 2 in an infant school to year 3 in a new junior school, providing greater stability and continuity for children as they transition between these year groups. 

The proposal to formally consult is supported by all schools’ governing bodies and follows two informal public consultations which took place last year, gathering initial feedback on the proposed amalgamations. 

Should the two formal consultations be agreed, public notices would be published on the County Council’s website on Friday, 21 February allowing parents, the local community and others with an interest in the schools to give their views on the proposals. The County Council would write directly to parents and school staff to confirm details of the consultation.

Full details of the recommendations to formally consult on the proposals for the Orchard Lea and Pennington schools can be found on the County Council’s website.

Tracey Robertson Honoured as Citizen of the Year by Lymington and Pennington Town Council

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Lymington and Pennington Town Council is delighted to announce that Tracey Robertson has been awarded the prestigious Citizen of the Year Award for her outstanding dedication and contributions to the community.

Tracey’s commitment to bringing people together and her tireless efforts in organising community initiatives have made a lasting impact on the town. Her most notable achievements include completing the Lymington Soldier project, a powerful tribute that has resonated deeply with residents. Tracey’s work has also been pivotal in the Royal British Legion’s (RBL) events, such as the RBL 100-year anniversary celebrations. These included military vehicles parading through the High Street, a special church service, and community festivities at the Lymington RBL with food, entertainment, and an open invitation to all.

Additionally, Tracey spearheaded a unique fancy-dress five-mile sponsored walk, visiting pubs throughout the town, raising vital funds for the Poppy Appeal. Her efforts have extended to St. Thomas Church, where for two consecutive years she has helped create a stunning display featuring a soldier covered in poppies. This project has become a symbol of unity, remembrance, and pride for the town.

“Tracey Robertson exemplifies the very best of community spirit and dedication. Her hard work, creativity, and ability to bring people together have enriched the lives of so many in Lymington and Pennington. This award is a small token of our immense gratitude for everything she has done to strengthen the bonds of our community and honour those who have served. Congratulations, Tracey—you truly deserve this recognition.”
— Town Mayor, Jack Davies

The Citizen of the Year Award celebrates individuals who go above and beyond to make Lymington and Pennington a better place for everyone. Tracey Robertson’s passion, energy, and unwavering commitment are an inspiration to all.

Town Mayor presenting a shield to Tracey Robertson for her award

The Town Council extends its heartfelt thanks to Tracey and looks forward to seeing her continued efforts in the years to come.

Applications Open for Lymington and Pennington Town Council’s Citizen of the Year Award

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Lymington and Pennington Town Council is proud to announce that nominations are now open for the 2024 Citizen of the Year Award. This prestigious accolade recognises outstanding individuals within our community who have made a significant contribution to the well-being of Lymington and Pennington.

The Citizen of the Year Award honours residents who have demonstrated exceptional commitment through voluntary work, leadership, or acts of kindness that have positively impacted the lives of others. Whether through long-term dedication to community service or a single outstanding act of goodwill, this award aims to celebrate the unsung heroes whose actions help make our town a better place to live.

Mayor Jack Davies said: 

"Our community thrives because of the generosity and dedication of individuals who go above and beyond to support others. The Citizen of the Year Award is an opportunity to shine a light on these individuals and to thank them for their invaluable contributions to Lymington and Pennington."

Eligibility and Criteria:

  • Nominees must work, study or contribute to the town of Lymington and Pennington.

  • The nominee’s contribution must have had a positive impact on the local community.

  • The achievement can be in any field, including community service, education, sports, charity work, or arts and culture.

How to Nominate:

Nominations are open to all members of the public and should be submitted by completing the official nomination form, available on the Lymington and Pennington Town Council website. Nominations should include details of the nominee’s achievements and why they deserve to be recognised.

The deadline for submissions is 15th November 2024. A sub-committee of the Town Council will review all entries, and the winner will be announced at the 11th December 2024 Town Council meeting.

For more information about the award and the nomination process, please visit https://lymingtonandpennington-tc.gov.uk/citizen-of-the-year-award

Join us in celebrating the individuals who make a difference in our community by submitting your nomination for Lymington and Pennington’s Citizen of the Year Award.

Application for Grant Aid 2024

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Lymington & Pennington Town Council is pleased to announce that applications for Grant Aid may be submitted between 6 September 2024 and 8 November 2024. Grant awards will be made in December 2024.

If your Organisation’s objectives are to benefit the residents of Lymington and Pennington, you are encouraged to apply for a Grant. 

Please click here to obtain a Grant Application Form and view the Grant Aid Policy 2024

Opening of Refurbished Pétanque Court

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Lymington and Pennington Town Council is delighted to announce the official opening of the newly refurbished Pétanque court, a facility that promises to bring the community together in the spirit of fun, fitness, and friendly competition. Located in the heart of Lymington, the court terrain is now fully accessible to residents and visitors alike, offering a year-round opportunity to enjoy this popular and inclusive sport.

The Lymington Pétanque Club, which now boasts over 50 active members, has already embraced the refurbished court. Their league team, The Lymington Lobsters, has recently joined the New Forest league and is competing regularly, showcasing the skill and sportsmanship of our local players. The club is known for its welcoming atmosphere, encouraging new members of all ages and abilities to join in or simply have a go at the game.

The court terrain is a hive of activity throughout the year. During the summer months, you can find the Lymington Pétanque Club members enjoying friendly matches on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. From October to March, the sessions start half an hour earlier at 1:30 PM to make the most of the winter sunshine. Additionally, the University of the Third Age (U3A) holds their sessions every Thursday morning from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, further enhancing the social and recreational value of this beloved game in our community.

Lymington and Pennington Town Council is proud to support the local community with this facility and encourages everyone to make use of the pétanque court. Whether you're an experienced player or a complete beginner, the court offers a fantastic way to stay active, meet new people, and enjoy the outdoors.

"We are thrilled to see the pétanque court which has recently been refurbished by the Town Council, bringing joy to so many in our town," said Jack Davies, Mayor. "It's a wonderful space for both residents and visitors to engage in a sport that is both fun and accessible. We look forward to seeing the court busy with activity throughout the year."

Les Mondry-Flesch, chair of the club, expressed enthusiasm about the recent upgrades: “Having secured funding from Sport England to further enhance the facilities we were able to commission the new shelter for protection during inclement weather and portable floodlights, which have made it possible for us to join the local league. New paving has made access far better for our members and enhanced the playing environment.”

For more information about the Lymington Pétanque Club and how to get involved, please visit https://www.lymingtonpetanque.co.uk

Successful "Wild Play" Event Engages Pennington Community in Celebrating Local Wildlife and the New Forest National Park

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The New Forest National Park Authority is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the "Wild Play" event held on August 15th at Pennington Common. This drop-in event was designed to educate and engage local residents and families from Pennington and the surrounding areas, fostering a deeper appreciation for the New Forest National Park and the wildlife that thrives right on their doorstep.

The event featured the National Park Authority's mobile information and display vehicle, which served as the central hub for attendees to learn about the natural beauty and ecological importance of the area. In addition, a variety of guided and self-guided activities were offered, providing fun and educational experiences for visitors of all ages. These activities included:

  • Mud Kitchen Play Area: A hands-on experience that delighted younger attendees as they explored and created with natural materials.

  • Wildlife/Bug Hunting: An activity that encouraged families to discover and learn about the smaller creatures inhabiting Pennington Common.

  • Bird Watching: Participants had the opportunity to observe and identify local bird species, enhancing their understanding of the area's avian life.

  • Nature Scavenger Hunt: A self-guided adventure that led explorers through the common, uncovering the natural treasures of the environment.

  • Coloring and Paper Craft Activities: Creative stations where children expressed their love for nature through art.

  • Wooden Pole/Tarpaulin Den Building: A collaborative and imaginative activity where families built their own woodland shelters.

The Wild Play event was free to attend, ensuring accessibility for all members of the community. It successfully brought together local residents to celebrate the unique natural environment of Pennington Common and the broader New Forest National Park. The positive feedback from attendees highlighted the event's success in promoting environmental education and community engagement.

This event follows similar successful activity days previously held at Bartley Park in Totton and Stanford Rise Green in Sway.

All images credited to “New Forest National Park Authority”