CAMPAIGNERS who have been fighting plans by Forest Enterprise to sell off historic Chepstow Park Woods are celebrating what they see as victory.

News of the planned sale by Forest Enterprise Wales of rights to create a holiday village in the popular recreation area met widespread dismay when it was first publicised in the Review.

Now they have learned that the organisation has decided that it will not go ahead with plans to seek bids for developing the site in this way.

"This is a wonderful victory for the Save Our Wood Campaign," said Monmouth MP Huw Edwards, who has been backing the protest movement. He had asked questions in the House of Commons about the right of Forest Enterprise to sell the woods, which had been donated to the organisation for safe keeping for the benefit of local people.

Mr Edwards was speaking after the sudden announcement that the proposals would not proceed and Forest Enterprise would undertake a review of their policy of developing forest sites.

"This is very welcome news and it reflects the way the Save Our Wood Campaign, chaired by Ken Futcher, had raised massive public opposition to these plans including a packed public meeting in Chepstow last Friday," said Mr Edwards.

He said Forest Enterprise had totally failed to consult local people, Monmouthshire County Council and the Welsh Assembly over the proposals.

He added: "The campaign will continue but at this stage we must thank everyone who expressed their opposition to the proposed sale of Chepstow Park Wood and celebrate this victory."