AN Abbots Well resident is calling for the restoration of wells to preserve the New Forest's heritage.

Irene Soper is urging Hyde Parish Council to preserve the well on Abbots Well Road, claiming it has been abandoned and contains water contaminated by road oil and horse urine.

She said: "The wells are a disgrace. Having lived at Abbots Well beside the ancient wells for fifty years my late husband and I have witnessed their popularity with tourists, local residents and thirsty walkers.

"These ancient wells are mentioned in new forest chronicles as early as 1217 and could possibly date back to Roman times, as the village has Roman connections.

"One is an open tub, from which the animals drink , the other is brick lined with a wooden lid the water from these wells was renowned for its coolness, freshness and health giving qualities.

"People would stop at the wells to quench there thirst or fill containers to take away at one time an old forester from the nearby village used to collect the water daily in pails suspended from an old fashioned yoke across his shoulders.

"This stretch of the Hampshire countryside is of highest international importance and a site if special scientific interest."

Hyde Parish Council chairman Peter Dowling said: "I love the well. We are sympathetic to our well and want it to stay in good repair. We are investigating as to which authority is responsible for its upkeep."