Ringwood should not be left as an "island" by excluding the town from the proposed New Forest National Park.

This is the overwhelming view of Hampshire County Council planners, who have urged the Countryside Agency to include Ringwood within the park's draft boundary.

Members of the planning and transportation committee have also recommended that the whole of the Breamore conservation area and Fordingbridge be included within the boundary.

The Countryside Agency is currently carrying out a major public consultation exercise on the proposed boundary, which is expected to be the subject of a public inquiry next year before any final decision is taken.

The proposed National Park includes the whole of the New Forest heritage area, as well as Dibden Bay, an area north of Totton, around Hillstreet and large parts of the Avon Valley south of Fordingbridge.

But, although the Countryside Agency is proposing to include Dibden Bay and Lymington within the boundary, the draft document currently excludes Ringwood.

County planning officer, Tim Greenwood, stressed that there were good reasons why both towns should be included.

"Ringwood is an attractive, historic market town in a distinctive setting, with strong historical and cultural links with the New Forest," he added.

"While the A31 does dominate the gateway entrance to the town from the north and west, the perception from within the town itself is very different and this should not be a reason to exclude a town which contributes to the Forest character."