WE at CDS/The Range would like to reply to the letter from Alistair Graham's "reality check". The reality check we have here at Mitcheldean is the loss of our jobs, the security to pay either mortgages or rent, to use the well known phrase of "putting food on the table" and to clothe children.

We do not know Mr Graham personally, so we don't know if he has ever faced redundancy. If he has not, great, and we hope he never will. To those that have, there is a need for them to get back into employment as soon as possible. We know how difficult it is given the situation in and around the Forest of Dean. Our own quick research has discovered at least 16 major employers in the Forest of Dean have either shut down or moved their business abroad. A lot of building companies, quarries and smaller firms no longer exist, all in the space of the last 30 years. The main employers left since those days are Beechams, Federal Mogul, Sykes Pumps and the old Cromptons.

We would ask you and others to look at website called Hansard Ref 1982-1984, when ex MP Paul Marland repeatedly asked for assistance for the Forest of Dean regarding better road access to major motorways etc to attract businesses to the Forest only to be met with refusal. What is the most recent business to come into the Forest? The Range in 2004. So what has changed?

We fully respect Mr Graham's choice to shop at the Co-op or anywhere he chooses that is his right. What about those that would like an alternative choice to the Co-op in Cinderford? People like Amanda Watkins and others would like that choice to shop in different outlets in and around Cinderford.

If (or when) Asda do arrive they will bring not only competition but much-wanted jobs. As regards to whether they are ultra aggressive or not, would it matter if the firm were German or Japanese?

Another article is Lydney the forgotten Town of the Forest? Again asks the question why? It appears there are objections to either Sainsbury's or Asda coming to Lydney. If the Forest of Dean will not stand up for itself, in another 30 years we will have a lovely green desert to retire to.

Someone now needs a voice like Amanda Watkins and others to kick-start the Forest of Dean. We need jobs in the Forest of Dean whether retail or manufacturing not only now but for the kids of the Dean also.

That's our reality check Mr Graham.

– CDS/The Range Works Reps, Mitcheldean.