PUBLIC negligence is believed to have caused a second major blaze to ravage precious heathland on the Hampshire-Surrey border in tinder dry conditions this summer.

Firefighters from three counties were again needed to control an inferno that engulfed around 40 hectares (90 acres) of Ministery of Defence land at Hankley Common, on Monday and Tuesday.

The fire follows a devastating blaze at Frensham Common last month.

For full story, see this week's Liphook Herald.