The government has made a decision on proposals to boost cycling in the New Forest. Transport Minister Robert Goodwill announced that £1.5 million allocated to the New Forest National Parks Agency (NPA) would be redistributed to other cycling schemes.

The decision comes after the New Forest NPA decided that it would not deliver part of the plans it had originally submitted to the government. It had originally intended to spend £2 million on a family cycle hire scheme.

Despite the change of plan, Mr Goodwill said: “We must do all we can to make sure our investment in cycling infrastructure supports schemes that matter to people and make a difference. That is why we have taken the decision to reallocate this money to other schemes.”

However, the New Forest NPA will still receive nearly £2 million to deliver the other parts of the scheme, such as upgrades for existing off-road cycle tracks and improving cycle routes to the parks.