A SURVEY run by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (Hampshire), in partnership with Hampshire Farmers’ Markets, has shown that litter and rubbish dumping are of greatest concern to the public.

Some 550 people were surveyed by CPRE Hampshire this summer at farmers’ markets across the county highlights the threats they think have the biggest impact on the countryside and landscape.

The results show that litter and dumping of rubbish (28%), closely followed by new housing on greenfield sites (27%), are of greatest concern. The dysfunctional planning system (24%) and wind turbines and solar farms (13%) were also seen as threats.

The views expressed by the public during the summer’s roadshows are feeding into CPRE Hampshire’s plans for 2016, which marks the charity’s 50th anniversary.

Looking ahead to the next 50 years, CPRE Hampshire has launched its campaign for a green belt covering south Hampshire.

Hampshire Farmers’ Markets and CPRE Hampshire launched their strategic partnership in June and Dee Haas, chairman of CPRE Hampshire, said: “We are grateful to Alex Handford and the team at Hampshire Farmers’ Markets for allowing us to join their farmers markets through the summer.

“The organisation is running such a good scheme for getting local produce to local people.”