Campaigners win first fight in jousting battle (From Daily Echo)

Campaigners win first fight in jousting battle

4:40pm Monday 31st May 2010 in

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CAMPAIGNERS planning to protest against plans to stage medieval jousting tournaments in the New Forest have won a brief reprieve in their long-running fight.

The row over the tournaments at Black Knoll Barn in Brockenhurst centres upon concerns from residents about increased noise and traffic through the rural village.

Critics, including district and parish councillors as well as New Forest residents, believe the events could ruin the character of the popular beauty spot.

The jousting, staged by Geoff and Val Winship, was due to start yesterday under a temporary licence but has been postponed as organisers work with the district council to iron out issues with the seating.

A licensing committee at New Forest District Council will decide if the couple can be granted a permanent licence on June 8.

Villagers were planning to meet yesterday at the site to voice their opposition but after hearing that the event had been temporarily cancelled, they called off the protest.

District councillor Maureen Holding said: “Black Knoll is really just fields with a couple of houses, which are very near to where the jousting will be.

“It’s a very narrow lane and to try and get hundreds of cars through it is ridiculous. Not only will there be increased noise but disruption to everyone in the area.

“People are very concerned but there is relief that we have won a battle although the war is still continuing.”

Alan Girling, the owner of the site, said: “If we’re not careful people will see the New Forest as being unfriendly.

It’s incredibly frustrating.

“All the organisers want to do is give people somewhere to go in the forest when the weather is bad.

“The thought of children having to cross a picket line to get to this attraction is awful. The noise will be no louder than children laughing and it’s only until about 5pm.”