AS a local ward member for Lydbrook and Ruardean, I attended the planning meeting that considered the Cinderford Northern Quarter application.

I had read the very detailed report that was presented to members of the planning committee and was entirely satisfied that the right decision was arrived at in an open and democratic way.

My opinion was obviously not shared by a sizeable minority in the public gallery who barracked and heckled the meeting continuously, making the job of the chairman, Cllr. Terry Glastonbury, very difficult.

I applaud his calmness and measured tolerance.

What I cannot condone is the increasingly boorish behaviour of a fellow councillor who I once respected.

Cllr. Andrew Gardiner who, like I, represents Lydbrook and Ruardean, is a long standing opponent of the Northern Quarter development.

He, like I, had attended the meeting to address the members of the planning committee.

I do not for one second doubt the sincerity of his opposition or his right to express it.

What I do abhor is his total intolerance of, and the contempt shown towards, the majority of councillors who hold an opposing view.

He would not wind up when his allotted time had expired and, not for the first time, accused fellow councillors of lying.

Cllr Gardiner has lost my respect and, I suspect, the respect of the overwhelming majority of his fellow members who are growing tired of his intolerance and petulance.

– Cllr Bruce Hogan (Lab), Forest of Dean District Council, Lydbrook and Ruardean.