THE ORGANISER of a long-running New Forest community fun day has expressed his shock after posters advertising the event were removed without explanation.
Matt Wale of the New Milton Rugby Club says he and various other members of the community are “hugely disappointed” after posters put up across the town advertising their upcoming family fun day were removed.
Around 25 posters hailing the return of the annual fun day after two years of Covid-forced cancellation were taken down last week and Matt says he believes they were removed by New Forest District Council.
He said the authority have offered no explanation nor have they returned the posters.
He told the Echo: “We attract thousands of people to our event and have a range of activities for families to enjoy, some of which are completely free of charge.
“Over the past 20 years we have never had any challenges with our signage so were surprised this year to see all our signs removed. We are hugely disappointed that our efforts to advertise the event has become even more challenging.
“To add further pain we have not had the signs returned and therefore have been unable to use them elsewhere so not only have we lost the cost of the signs, we are now struggling to share the details of our fun day.
“I’ve been looking after this event for 10 years and every year posters go up in prominent spots around town. They’re professionally made and have never been an issue before.”
It is understood that posters promoting a Platinum Jubilee event in New Milton were also removed last week, which the district council has apologised for.
The posters cost £200 in total to make and print for the event, for which all money raised goes into junior rugby facilities.
“We needed this one to be a big year to recoup losses after the pandemic,” added Matt.
“Everyone I’ve spoken to is completely shocked and disappointed that the council haven’t supported this well-established community event.”
Matt has asked the authority to return the posters so they may be put up before the New Milton Rugby Club’s Family Fun Day takes place on Saturday, June 11.
New Forest District Council has been approached to comment.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel