v SAY YOU SAW IT IN THE HERALD v Page 76 • The HERALD • 20th November 2025 YATES & CO Chartered Accountants Specialists in providing accounting and taxation advice to small businesses and individuals Contact: Colin Yates A.C.A. Telephone: (023) 8086 1550 E-mail: enquiries@yatesco.co.uk Personal and Friendly Service Helen Sparks Mortgages & Financial Services Offering professional advice since 1985 Mortgages Residential Life Time Equity Release Buy to Let – first time landlords Property Portfolios Help to Buy Insurance Buildings & Contents Insurance Life Assurance Critical Illness Income Protection YOUR PROPERTY MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS This firm usually charges a fee for mortgage advice. The amount of the fee will depend upon your circumstances and will be discussed and agreed with you at the earliest opportunity. Some forms of buy to let mortgage are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. 023 8084 4108 enquiries@helensparks.com Helen Goodall T/A Helen Sparks Mortgages & Financial Services is an appointed representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network, a trading name of First Complete Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority ASK A PROFESSIONAL Businesses Coming Together To Support Safe Driving On New Forest Roads Road safety campaigners in the New Forest are asking businesses to help promote safer driving on New Forest roads. Companies with sta who drive in the New Forest are being encouraged to join the New Forest Drive Safe campaign to raise awareness among their employees of Forest ponies, cattle and other animals on or close to roads. e newly launched group is urging as many local rms as possible to sign up to the scheme. ey will be provided with support and advice to help make sta aware of the risks of driving near livestock and what to do if they are involved in an incident with an animal. Companies can join free of charge by lling out the form on the New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association website: www.realnewforest.org/about/ business-group/ e call comes as there have been 62 accidents involving animals on Forest roads so far this year (correct up to week beginning 20th October), with 36 animals either killed or injured. Animal accidents are most frequent during the winter months, where more journeys are completed in darkness or poor weather conditions. It is a legal requirement to report an accident involving New Forest livestock to the police as soon as possible and within 24 hours, even if the animal has run o . New Forest Commoners Defence Association Chair Andrew Parry-Norton said: “This is an initiative which we hope will highlight to everyone the importance of treating the Forest and Commoners’ Victoria Mander said: “The animals’ grazing is vital in maintaining rare habitats and helping to create the incredible New Forest landscape. All individuals, organisations and businesses have a duty to look out for Forest livestock and each other when driving on Forest roads. By being part of the New Forest Drive Safe group, organisations are showing a commitment to protecting New Forest Commoners’ livestock and allowing the animals to continue doing their important job of shaping the internationally important National Park landscape.” Forestry England Community Manager Charlotte Belcher said: “It’s great to see this commitment from local businesses to encourage drivers to take extra care on Forest roads. Many motorists tell us that they know the risks but think that it won’t happen to them. The figures make it clear that accidents can happen to anyone at any time of the day or night. We can all improve safety by driving with care through this special place and making sure we pass animals wide and slow.” Gilly Jones from New Forest Roads Awareness said: “Many people who drive through the Forest every day are aware of the risks but don’t always realise how unpredictable animals can be, especially in poor light or bad weather. The New Forest Drive Safe campaign gives businesses a way to help share that awareness among their teams. It’s about changing habits, encouraging drivers to slow down, and reminding everyone that the Forest’s animals always have right of way.” Mark Thurston-Jones, owner of sign, print and clothing company urston in Holbury, said: “My parents were livestock respectfully. Signing up to this scheme is a great example for local businesses to show they understand why their drivers should take extra care while travelling across the Forest. Whatever size your business is, if you have drivers who drive through the Forest, I would strongly encourage you to join the scheme.” New Forest National Park Authority Chair New Forest Drive Safe launch at Thurston in Holbury, (left to right) Jim Day (New Forest National Park Authority ranger), Charlotte Belcher (Forestry England recreation manager), Mark Thurston-Jones (owner of Thurston), Keith Mansbridge (vice chair of New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association) and Gilly Jones (New Forest Roads Awareness) Continued on page 77
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