RUARDEAN District Councillor Andrew Gardiner says he is horrified that the progressing Northern Arc plans for Cinderford include an hotel and other buildings by the shore of tranquil Steam Mills Lake.

With others in the 'Five Acres Against' Action Group he has vowed to fight the scheme which he says effectively turns a beautiful and environmentally sensitive area into valuable development land.

After attending last Thursday's Forest council meeting on the subject, Cllr Gardiner said the proposals would destroy the amenity and wildlife value of the area. It also contradicted a walks booklet part sponsored by Cinderford Town Council which described the lakeside as 'idyllic'.

"It is also adjacent to the Gloucestershire Way, an important footpath across the county much used by hikers," said Cllr Gardiner.

"From the Area Action Plan produced on Thursday, it is also difficult to see where offices, housing and other buildings will go, spelling disaster for the whole site."

The lake and its surroundings, much enjoyed by walkers and anglers, would be completely transformed he said, the forested hinterland would be wide open for future futher development and a re-routed road (follow the dotted line on the accompanying plan) would drive through buildings housing colonies of bats.

The booklet, Cinderford Walks, has been produced by the town council and Cinderford Regeneration Board, with a forward by Cinderford mayor Max Coborn.

Cllr Gardiner has also teamed with a group currently occupying the Wilderness Centre at Plump Hill to examine the site's wildlife, which includes great crested newts in many small ponds in areas where clay has been excavated and several species of butterflies. The Transition sustainable future pressure group is also behind these plans, he says.

"The ultimate aim is to get the council to stop this awful plan and instead create forestry study facilities where we can train young people to look after out forests and countryside in the future," he said.

Northern United was ideal for such a centre, he said, as was Stowfield Quarry.

As for the lake it should be kept as it is, together with identified wildlife sites nearby. Under the present plans, he says, the lakeside will quickly become a privatised 'no go' area.