PEOPLE on opposite sides of the boar debate have come together to find ways to move forward on the thorny issue.

Boar Solutions has been set up to help local communities deal with the effects of boar coming into towns and villages and to educate residents and visitors on what to expect and how to deal with situations.

The group says it accepts that boar will continue to live in the district and that there has to be control by humans.

They say the eventual aim is for contraception to control numbers rather than shooting as at present.

A spokesman for the group said: “It is accepted that there will be boar living here – even Defra (Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) now accepts this will always be the case – and it is accepted that there has to be control by humans.

“The eventual aim is contraception rather than shooting.”

The forum is open to Forest of Dean residents and there are strict rules governing the behaviour of those involved.

There are also representatives from West Dean, and Soudley and Ruspidge parish councils although it is hoped parish councillors from other areas affected by boar will also get involved.

Among the ideas being investigated are getting people with community service orders to help reinstate lawns and verges and establishing a community fund.

The spokesman added: “People need help and advice on what to do and what is available to help them and, at present, that seems very lacking.

“Together the people of the Forest of Dean can get things changed so we can all live in peace.”