PART of a major housing scheme in a Hampshire town could be named after a community stalwart.

Linden Homes is planning to build 175 houses at Ringwood and has already received permission for the first phase of the multi-million-pound scheme.

Town councillors said it would be fitting to name one of the roads after Neville Chard, who died last month aged 88.

Members questioned whether a road could be named after an individual but Cllr Jeremy Heron cited the example of Roger Penny Way at Brook.

Other names suggested included Alice Lisle, who lived at Moyles Court, Ringwood, and was executed for harbouring fugitives following the defeat of the Monmouth Rebellion in the 17th century.

Mr Chard was the first and so far only person to be made an Honorary Freeman of Ringwood.

The former councillor was renowned for his 65-year association with Bisterne United Football Club, playing for the side as a young man before serving as club secretary for more than half-a-century.

Mr Chard also worked as a postman in the Ringwood area for a similar length of time.

His political career began in 1970 when he joined the former Ringwood and Fordingbridge Rural District Council. Three years later he became one of the first members of the newly formed New Forest District Council, remaining on the authority until 1987. Mr Chard joined the town council in 1973 and was chairman three times as well as chairing every committee over the years.