MORE work is needed to ensure cycle events in the New Forest are organised to a 'high standard'.

That's the thrust of a report going before members of New Forest National Park Authority on Thursday.

It is the latest update on the thorny issue of cycling in the national park, following tensions between some residents and cycle event organisers.

The meeting to discuss the charter, which sparked controversy when it was introduced two years ago, will hear that until September the level of public concern was relatively mild.

But a late change of route to the autumn Wiggle New Forest 100 event, organised by UK Cycling Events, caused "considerable concern" and demonstrated the need for more work, according to officers.

The report is recommending that the authority confirms its support for the ongoing work and seeks compliance with event organisers for "safer and more considerate cycling by participants and greater tolerance and positivity by those not involved in the events."

The charter still includes a cap of 1,000 cyclists for events in the New Forest, and requires that riders wear rear numbers.

In 2016, there were four one day events with between 400-850 riders and two two-day events with between 1,300 and 2,000 riders each day.

The report, which focuses on these events, is based on evidence from staff, the Safety Advisory Group, Equine Forum, parish councils - particularly Brockenhurst and Sway, internet forums, councils, police, the Department for Transport and British Cycling Staff.

And although there are many positives, with the majority of the year seeing no problems, rides organised by UK Cycling Events have come under fire once again.

As well as confusion with the change of route in September, poor rider behaviour was also reported along with vandalism and removal of safety signs.

Events that do not comply with the voluntary charter are sent an 'amber' letter calling for the points to be adhered to.

A spokesperson for UK Cycling Events said: "In planning the New Forest sportives, UKCE works closely with the council and safety advisory group to organise safe events and minimise disruption to the local community and other users of the route, with the positive outcomes of this coordination highlighted in the report.

"We also meet with these groups after each event to discuss any complaints and feedback from local residents to identify improvements that can be made.

"UKCE actively briefs riders ahead of events on safe cycling, respecting the Highway Code and the environment around them. Any participants reported to be riding inconsiderately or behaving anti-socially are disqualified and we encourage local residents to report any such behaviour to us.

“We have taken on board the feedback and have agreed with SAG additional measures to those currently in place for 2017.

"We respect the intent behind the voluntary charter and look forward to working closely with the council and safety advisory group again this year."