Country park gets green light for events and drinks sales

Moors Valley Country Park is managed by Forestry England and Dorset Council

A country park been given permission for drink sales at future events despite concerns over noise and the impact on wildlife.

Forestry England was granted a premises licence for selling drinks and screening films at Moors Valley Country Park on the Dorset-Hampshire border.

Local residents said there would be night-time disturbance from noise and lights.

Forestry England said it was "unlikely to present any difficulties".

The licensing hearing in Dorchester was told the park planned to have kiosks selling alcohol, together with street food stalls on a Halloween trail. The event capacity has been set at 5,000.

The park said it may consider showing films, such as The Gruffalo, in the future, although at this stage there was nothing confirmed.

The site already sells alcoholic drinks but only with meals in the restaurant.

Sixteen objections were received, although it was backed by Verwood Town Council.

Locals complained extra events would increase the traffic near their homes, add to night-time disturbance from noise and lights,  and was not necessary.

One complained that Forestry England ought to know better – reminding the organisation it was a forest they were running not a theme park for bored humans.

Others said wildlife was likely to be disturbed, although an ecology report said the effects would be minimal.

Forestry England and Dorset Council say their team was used to managing crowds with the drink sales unlikely to present any difficulties.