The publication of the Independent Forestry Panel's (IFP) final report dated July 4, 2012 has reflected well on the endeavours on the good folk of the Forest of Dean and indeed the district council staff and councillors whose delegation presented before Parliament the 'Case for exemption of the Forest of Dean' January 2011.

This document and subsequent Council responses sought to consolidate the protection of forest rights and freedoms while promoting rural regeneration. The district council contributed greatly within local government framework to bring about the Panel's final report, similar to events in 1981 when the council had the support of the people and MP Paul Marland.

However, since February 2012, we have been facing the adoption of the Cinderford Area Action Plan (EDP49) covering 84 hectares with a phased development of 26 hectares around Steam Mills lakes. If this plan goes ahead, the land will be used to accommodate the transfer of Five Acres College and a mixture of developments including housing and warehouses.

These developments will be built directly on 'Key Wildlife Sites.' Given that the findings of the Independent Forestry Panel, which were immediately endorsed by the Secretary of State, Caroline Spelman, prohibit the sale of large tracts of forestry land, the current loophole proposals to exchange this land between the Forestry Commission and the Forest of Dean District Council appear illegal and totally against the spirit of the 1967 Forestry Bill as amended in 1981.

There is no justification for contravening the findings of the Independent Forestry Panel's final report by continuing with these plans. Steam Mills lakes in the Linear Park wildlife site rank as one of the finest achievements of Cinderford Town Council, albeit at a cost to taxpayers of £500,000 back in 1994.

How can the town and district councils even contemplate squandering such an investment by throwing countless more millions to totally destroy their original vision and wipe out a wildlife and recreational gem?

Therefore, is it not time for everyone concerned to make a commitment in the interests of the communities around Coleford, Berry Hill, Five Acres and indeed Cinderford?

If they do decide to cross the Rubicon, by joining the ranks of hundreds of principled FANS members, they also will begin to understand why Foresters have to constantly defend their rights and freedoms. Their supporters, both young and old, wish for no more than to retain their community facilities and culture and educational opportunities by building a new college and future at Five Acres.

God bless them all.

– Andrew Gardiner, Ruardean.