RESIDENTS say they are appalled at proposals to introduce a car-washing scheme in Forest car parks that could destroy wildlife.

Planning and transportation bosses at New Forest District Council are considering the money-making plan, which could see an independent car washing company set up business in New Forest car parks.

Revenue from the scheme could swell council coffers by as much as £40,000 per year.

Clerk to the Verderers Sue Westwood said she thought any proposal to introduce car washing in Forest car parks would be devastating to wildlife and have serious implications.

"I can't believe that this proposal could possibly be agreed," she said.

"The damage it would do to protected areas and wildlife would be devastating. To clean cars you need detergent and water and this would submerge the Forest.

"I cannot imagine this will get through."

A Commoner at Linford near Ringwood told the Journal that the car park there was always busy and could be commercially viable.

However she raised grave concerns at the idea of these businesses operating in areas of outstanding natural beauty.

She said: "I am disgusted at the thought of car washing in rural areas. We are supposedly meant to be looking after the Forest and this is not the way to protect our landscape. I am appalled."

A NFDC spokesman said: "The proposals are for all the car parks in the New Forest from the rural ones to the ones in the towns.

"All the car parks will be included in the tender but the contractor will make a commercial decision to the ones it will include."

The Planning and Transportation review panel met last Wednesday and stated: "Issuing a licence to allow car washing in council car parks is an opportunity to raise revenue without making an additional charge to users of the car park or council tax payers.

"Safeguards concerning customer care, protecting the environmental considerations and ensuring the activity does not cause a nuisance to members of the public must be put in place."

The license will run between two and four years and will stipulate that all materials used are environmentally safe and comply with all environmental regulations.

The panel is considering the proposal to tender for the service and panel's views are set to be made known to the cabinet and the portfolio holder in due course.

A Forestry Commission spokesman said that neither deputy surveyor Mike Seddon nor land agent Mark Street had been approached by NFDC.

"The Forestry Commission is unable to comment at this stage."

A report will be taken to cabinet in November.