Dibden Purlieu roadworks "totally broken" nearby businesses
Plus, coworking venue launches, planning permission woes, and upcoming events.
Hello!
This is by far the meatiest ‘monthly briefing’ to date, and absolutely heading towards where I want New Forest Business News to be… investigating issues that impact YOU, the reader.
The main story in this edition is Dibden Purlieu businesses “totally broken” by roadworks.
If you have a story to share or there’s an issue currently impacting you, or your business, that you’d like us to look into, get in touch at editor@newforestbusinessnews.co.uk.
Kerri L Watt, Editor
Dibden Purlieu businesses “totally broken” by roadworks
Dibden Purlieu business owners are left devastated after roadworks in the village are “destroying” their businesses.
The government-funded works are taking place on Beaulieu Road, North Road and Watermans Lane, for an additional zebra crossing, cycle lanes and footway.
Paul Patel who runs the village Post Office confirmed his takings were down 30% in December and were even worse in January.
He told New Forest Business News: “People are avoiding the village because of the traffic lights and chaos”.
“We (local businesses) are totally destroyed, we’re all broken.
“By people avoiding the village, customers create new habits and change their regular chemist, cafe, butchers, post office etc.
“What happens when the roadworks end, will they ever come back to us?”
Patel believes the roadworks, due to finish 22 February, is a long-term problem for businesses, not short term.
He continued: “And no work has now been done there for days. We don’t know what is going on. What will happen to us if this is all then abandoned?”
Residents and businesses took to social media to complain about “no construction” happening at the site for “over a week”.
Cllr Malcolm Wade, who has been advocating for Dibden Purlieu businesses in recent months, confirmed that work has been paused due to “unforeseen issues”.
His update on social media shared that Hampshire County Council will “go back to their design team to try and provide an alternative option to build the remainder of the proposals in Beaulieu Road.
“It is hoped this will not take too long, but HCC would presume it could cause a one or two-week delay.”
New Forest Business News spoke with Cllr Malcolm Wade. He said: “This development seems to have been poorly planned and badly executed from the beginning.
“The timing over the Christmas period was the wrong time to block up the Dibden Purlieu centre for its obvious effect on local business.”
“The timing and conduct by HCC’s contractor have been less than satisfactory in the time it is taking to complete the job.”
Ron Besant, owner of Tails2, said the works has had a “massive impact” on his fish and chip shop.
He told New Forest Business News: “People are avoiding Dibden Purlieu like the plague. I hope people will come back once the roadworks finish.
“Doing the roadworks over our busiest time in November and December, but then it has got even worse in January.
“I’ve had to cut staff hours and close early as it’s not worth being open. We only took £100 in 3.5 hours on a recent Sunday, it didn’t even pay the wages.”
Are you a business impacted by the Dibden Purlieu roadworks?
We’re going to continue investigating this issue so get in touch with us and have your say: editor@newforestbusinessnews.co.uk.
Shorefield Country Park planning permission granted despite parish council objections
Major renovation planning permission was granted unanimously by New Forest District Council to Shorefield Country Park in January despite nearby residents and parish council objections.
Cllr Bishop, Milford-on-Sea Parish Council, shared concerns stating: “The current proposal leaves too many questions.
“The Parish Council remains at one that we request that you reject the application.”
NFDC said there were “no design or amenity issues arising” and permission was granted in full.
The agreement comes with conditions to ensure appropriate noise levels are adhered to and minimal disturbance to neighbouring properties.
It was confirmed the new facilities will only be accessed by members or holiday makers, not the general public, and will create two new jobs.
The family business Shorefield Country Park opened 65 years ago and currently employs 350 people.
‘Reef’ app launches three coworking spaces in New Forest
Reef users can use their app to book into venues across the UK that not only allow you to turn up with your laptop but encourage it.
With many venues offering free hot beverages or food discounts, users book a space that ensures a table is waiting, with plug socket and Wi-Fi, upon your arrival.
New Forest venues now open to bookings on the Reef app;
Master Builder’s House, Beaulieu
The White Rabbit, Lyndhurst
The Queens Head, Ringwood
Reef is ideal for those working hybrid or working from home that require an occasional change of scenery to their work day.
Editor Kerri L Watt has partnered with Reef to offer readers a 10% discount on booking coworking spaces. It’s £5 a month or £50 for the year (2 months free!), BUT use the code below to add your 10% discount…
Download the app for a 7-day free trial: https://www.reef.rocks/download-app
And add this code for 10% off afterwards: WATT10
Disclaimer: if you join Reef, Kerri Watt may receive commission on purchases, this adds no cost at all to you.
New Forest business owner expands networking events in to Southampton
‘Get Connected’ networking events launched and grew across the South last year with organisers looking for an informal and different way to network with other businesses.
New Forest based business owner Lisa Middleton, Regional Director for Get Ahead Wessex, will be hosting the Southampton event.
She told New Forest Business News: “Get Connected events have proved a huge success in other cities in the South East, with a relaxed, welcoming vibe.
“I am excited to host the event in Southampton. It would be wonderful if businesses from the New Forest and surrounding areas could join us.”
The first event is hosted at Metro Bank, Southampton on 07 February, 9am. Free tickets available here.
Council’s “Shop doctor” programme
New Forest District Council are encouraging independent retail and hospitality businesses to take part in a mystery shopping opportunity in 2024, named the “shop doctor” programme.
In 2023, 78 businesses in the area participated in the programme.
As a council sponsored business initiative, there is no cost attached to participants.
Find out more or apply for the programme at: https://newforest.gov.uk/shopdoctor
Upcoming events
Lymington Chamber of Commerce “Chats Over Chai”
06 February, 11am - Connect with others and meet the Board, £5. Link to book.Get Connected (Southampton)
07 February, 9am - Metro Bank, Southampton, £0 free. Link to book.Oakhaven Business Club
13 February - New Forest Walk and Work, one hour walk followed by refreshments at Rosie Lea House, £15. Link to book.Lymington Chamber of Commerce
22 February - Breakfast networking 7.15am and local charity showcase 9.00am at Elmer’s Court Hotel in Lymington, £20. Link to book.Oakhaven Business Club
20 February - Breakfast networking at AFC Totton, £15. Link to book.New Forest Business Partnership
08 March - International Women’s Day luncheon, Carey’s Manor Hotel in Brockenhurst, £40. Link to book.