Milford-on-Sea Parish Council

09/06/2026

Hurst Spit and Lymington draft coastal strategy unveiled
A draft strategy has been published to manage climate change impacts along 15km coastline between Hurst Spit and Lymington.

A comprehensive strategy to manage the long-term impacts of climate change along the 15-kilometre stretch of coastline between Hurst Spit and Lymington is set to be shared with the public this summer through a series of community drop-in events and webinars.

Led by the Environment Agency in partnership with New Forest District Council, Hampshire County Council, Natural England, and JBA Consulting, the draft strategy makes recommendations to address increasing risks posed by sea-level rise and flooding across this environmentally and historically significant area.

04/06/2026

Milford-on-Sea Seawall Coastal Maintenance – Phase 2 – June/July 2026

Phase 2 will commence in the week commencing Monday 8 June, with welfare facilities, fencing, a 35 tonne machine and smaller items of plant delivered ahead of the arrival of a large 130 tonne excavator and assembly crane in the week commencing Monday 15 June. General working hours will be between 0700 and 1900 with an anticipated duration of around six weeks.
As this is a large machine, several lorries will be required for delivery, after which the crane will assemble the excavator over two days. To facilitate this operation, a portion of the car park at the eastern end will be temporarily closed. Appropriate signage will be in place to safely re-route vehicles and pedestrians, particularly those moving between the promenade and Hurst Road. All movements will be carefully overseen by traffic marshals to ensure safety.
Upon completion, demobilisation will include the excavator being disassembled within the car park over a further two days before being removed from site.
The large 130 tonne machine is being used due to its very long reach, which enables the placement of large rock armour at a distance from the seawall, avoiding the need to access the beach - otherwise a particularly challenging aspect of the works at this site. This will allow rock (including rock currently held in the stockpile) to be placed to form the permanent revetment repair, providing improved protection to the seawall.
General working hours will be between 07:00 and 19:00, with an anticipated duration of around six weeks. To make best use of suitable weather and tidal working windows, it may be necessary for the contractor to work early mornings, late evenings, or weekends. The aim is to minimise disruption and noise wherever possible.
Further details can be found on New Forest District Council’s dedicated web pages.

https://www.newforest.gov.uk/article/1695/Milford-on-Sea-Seawall-Coastal-Maintenance-Phase-1-winter-2025

07/05/2026

Update: Water Quality in the Danestream. May 7th 2026
The Parish Council is aware of recent reports and social media discussion regarding elevated E. coli levels in the Danestream. We understand that local reports indicate the source of the pollution has been identified and that remediation efforts—including the collection and transport of waste to an alternative site—are currently underway.
Please note:
• Precautionary Notices: Our existing advisory notices remain in place. We continue to advise the public (and their pets) to avoid contact with the water at this time.
• Official Verification: While reports of the cleanup are encouraging, the Parish Council has not yet received official confirmation of lowered pollution levels from the relevant authorities.
• Next Steps: We will continue monitoring the situation closely. We will provide a further update as soon as official water quality test results are made available to us.

29/04/2026

29 April 2026, The Parish Council have been made aware via New Forest Water Watch of further water quality readings in the Dane Stream that indicates high levels of pollution. The Parish Council advises walkers and dog owners to exercise caution when in the vicinity of the Dane Stream and not to let dogs or children interact with the water at this time as a precautionary measure. The Parish Council will be seeking advice from the Environmental Agency and NFDC Environmental health regarding signage. Please follow Milford on Sea Parish Council's FaceBook page and Website to remain informed. Thank you
Bernie Bennett. Chair

23/04/2026

Update on the Dane Stream

We have now received observations and results from Southern Water following their attendance at the Danes Stream in response to the elevated E. coli concentrations reported to the Environment Agency on 1 April 2026.
For full details please visit the our website: DANE STREAM UPDATE | Milford-on-Sea Parish

https://milfordonseaparishcouncil.gov.uk/dane-stream-update/

Based on the information available so far, this incident is currently considered to present a low environmental risk. However, if local residents observe any potentially polluting discharges or incidents affecting the Danes Stream, we encourage them to report these via our incident hotline (0800 80 70 60) or online through GOV.UK’s “Report water pollution in England” service.

https://www.gov.uk/report-water-pollution

When making a report, it would be helpful to include photographs where possible, along with accurate details of the location and any suspected source of the pollution in the future.

14/04/2026

Come along for a delightful morning celebrate all things green and growing! Browse a wonderful selection of plants, whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, there is something for everyone. Save the date - Milford-on-Sea Plant Fair, The Village Green, Saturday 16th May 8.30am - 1.30pm

05/04/2026

Update on Danes Steam.

Southern Water was working in the Danes Stream on the morning of the 5th April, particularly in the area where the readings were recorded, and have found no evidence of contamination. Caution still needs to be exercised when walking or playing in or around the Danes Stream” until the Parish Council has received clarification on the situation from the Environment Agency who are the lead Authority for dealing with this issue"

04/04/2026

We have been advised by the Environment Agency that high levels of E.Coli have been detected in the Danes Stream
At the recorded level there is a clear risk of illness for anyone coming into contact with the water including walkers and dogs.
We are awaiting a further update from the Environment Agency.
A group of Councillors are meeting tomorrow @9.00 am to put up warning signs

02/04/2026

Are you curious about bowls or looking for a new hobby? Whether you are a complete beginner or just want to know what it is all about you are welcome to the friendly Club to give it a go. Open Day 2026 - see all details below.

09/02/2026

New Forest District Council has set out a range of potential options that could shape the future of the surrounding area. These are not fixed and are now being consulted upon. There is a drop-in at the Pavilion on Vaggs Lane, Hordle on the 9th of March. Alternatively, residents might also go along to the New Milton one too (11th February @ New Milton Town Hall), or the to the Lymington drop-in (25th February @ Lymington Community Centre). Please find the details below and here are the NFDC dedicated webpages to the Local Plan Review; https://www.newforest.gov.uk/localplan

We’re progressing with the next stage of our Local Plan review, the Spatial Options and Policy Direction Plan.

This essential part of reviewing our Local Plan looks at how we could address development growth for housing and employment needs.

Visit us at a drop-in event across the district to learn more about our Local Plan review:

• 10 February - Calmore Community Centre
• 11 February - New Milton Town Hall
• 12 February - Jubilee Hall, Fawley
• 13 February – Fordingbridge Town Hall
• 25 February – Lymington Community Centre
• 26 February – Marchwood Village Hall
• 27 February – Ringwood Gateway
• 28 February – Totton & Eling Community Association CIO, Civic Centre Buildings
• 6 March – Hythe Parish Hall
• 9 March – Hordle Parish Council

Find out more and take part in the online consultation at newforest.gov.uk/localplan