THE mayor of Fordingbridge has pledged to use "all the tools" available to the town council to press for more action to address ongoing traffic problems.

This comes after New Forest District Councillor Ann Sevier was clipped by a car wing mirror when she was crossing the road outside the town hall.

Earlier that day she also had a close encounter with a mobility scooter.

Malcolm Connolly, speaking about this latest incident, said: “It needs highlighting. It brings home to roost the problems we have in the town. This adds fuel to the fire.

“It is something we will be taking up with Hampshire County Council. In this term of office we will be using all the tools that are available to us to make this point even more so.”

Traffic measures such as yellow lines have been put in place, however Mr Connolly says not enough is done to enforce them.

He added: "The system falls down. In my opinion our enforcement officers spend time in Fordingbridge revenue generating rather than traffic enforcement. We are going to continue to press for more attention to be paid to roads in the town,” added Mr Connolly, who says that the council has been involved traffic discussions.

Cllr Sevier, who was left with bruising from the incidents on polling day, said: "It is very difficult to find a solution. We just have to look at other options."

She said other solutions that could be discussed included signage, road bumps, changing the colour of the tarmac.

Residents came out in force to sign a petition by the Fordingbridge Society calling action to resolve traffic problems.

Reinvigorating the town is also a key focus for Cllr Connolly and the council who will be looking to work with local businesses and set up a business forum to discuss ways of improving Fordingbridge.

He said: "What we have got to do is find a place in this market for Fordingbridge, whether that is making it it look more attractive, putting on events, changing the road structure. We need the business forum’s views so we can push forward. We need new views to push us into a new era.”

To get involved, call 01425 654134.