Campaigners fighting plans to split their council were celebrating in Parliament Square today after ministers backtracked on previous approval.
Members of New Forest Together had travelled to Westminster to deliver a 30,000-strong petition to Downing Street opposing local government reorganisation, which would merge councils.
But moments before delivering their petition in London, their protest turned into celebration as the Government announced it was withdrawing its previous approval, pending a wider review of council shake-up plans.
Campaign organisers James and Emily Hartley-Binns told of their elation at the news to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
James said: “We are over the moon, and it couldn’t have happened at a better time, outside of Parliament.
“Politicians make a lot of promises sometimes and this time they have realty come through.
“The Prime Minister has listened, and to the credit of Angela Rayner MP, she has taken the legal advice seriously.”
However, the time for celebrating is short, he said.
James added: “Let’s be clear – the campaign is not over. We have now got to work to make that positive argument for a united New Forest in a new unitary authority.”
Sarah Ford, who has lived in Eling for 33 years, said she is “extremely happy”.
The staunch campaigner has been involved with New Forest Together from the get-go, and has been leading the charge in getting people to sign the petition.
She said: “We’re looking onwards now to keep fighting to keep the Forest together. It’s not over.”
Fellow campaigner Louse Ghes described the announcement as a hugely emotional moment, adding: “There were tears rolling down my face.”
The Dibden Purlieu resident said: “I have lived all over the Waterside. We are used to being this side of the water and part of the New Forest.
“We have gained something here today.”
Ray Collins lives in Hythe and fiercely opposed the original plans. He said: “Nobody knew what the future held. No one was open and honest about how it would affect the area. I am hoping for transparency now.”
Under the original LGR proposals, the Waterside was set to merge with Southampton, Eastleigh, and southern parts of Test Valley to form the South West Hampshire Council.
The proposals were concerning for Caroline Nokes, Conservative MP for Romsey and Southampton North.
She joined campaigners outside Parliament in support of their petition, and to fight for the Test Valley areas.
Ms Nokes said: “This sounds like very good news, and it is good news for those areas of Test Valley – Chilworth, Nursling, Rownhams and Valley Park – in my constituency.
“The Prime Minister and Secretary of State have listened and that really matters because it gives people the confidence that they are being listened to.”
Ministers said the review followed “updated and privileged legal advice” and would ensure the process was robust and in line with the new Government’s plans to rewire the state.
Decisions affecting Hampshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk have been withdrawn while the review is carried out. Proposals in a further 14 areas will also be paused and examined, including plans involving Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and West Sussex.
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