IT was one of the biggest protests the New Forest has ever seen – and could weigh heavy in the minds of voters when they go to the polls next week.

More than 1,000 placardwaving demonstrators gathered at Wilverley Plain, near Brockenhurst, last October to condemn proposals put forward by the National Park Authority (NPA).

Residents voiced their anger at plans to impose restrictions on keeping horses and dog walking, including the creation of “dog-free” car parks.

By the end of the public consultation the NPA had received 9,000 responses – almost 90 per cent of which were hostile.

The row reignited the debate about whether the New Forest should have been designated a National Park.

Critics Former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott once described the decision as Labour’s gift to the nation but critics have accused the NPA of trying to destroy their way of life.

The issue is likely to be raised again as county council candidates knock on doors in the run-up to the elections.

Three of the county councillors seeking re-election, Mel Kendal, Alan Rice and Alan Weeks, are also NPA members.

The authority is currently staging a series of workshops and is due to publish a revised set of plans later this year.

Critics of the NPA include New Forest East MP Dr Julian Lewis, who is himself at the centre of controversy following the row over MPs’ expenses.

Over a four-year period Dr Lewis claimed more than £85,000 of taxpayers’ money towards the cost of running his London home.

Successful claims included £2,369 for kitchen appliances, £346 for new bathroom taps and £119 for a trouser press.

He has defended his actions and is refusing to pay back any of the cash he received.

The growing clamour for a new 30mph speed limit in the Forest is among the other subjects likely to be raised during canvassing.

Campaigners want the 40mph limit on all unfenced roads cut by a quarter to reduce animal deaths.

Other talking points include the price of a major environmental improvement project in Rumbridge Street, Totton.

Opposition councillors called for an inquiry following the revelation that the scheme cost £1.5m – almost twice the original estimate.

Issues in nearby Marchwood include the noise nuisance caused by HGVs and potential cuts to subsidised bus services.