WHAT is happening about the Tack? Why is it still closed?
Over three and a half years ago, in early 2006, the Severn foreshore was suddenly sealed off by fences, preventing local people and visitors walking along that part of the river.
At that time, over 100 local people submitted written evidence to the Lydney Town Council, saying that they had walked along the Tack foreshore for many years.
In April 2008 the Review featured an encouraging article about the sterling efforts of some Lydney town councillors to resolve the matter of the closure.
Since then there has been a deafening silence! Nothing appears to have been reported to any of the local newspapers. Nothing has been heard from the Gloucestershire County Environment Directorate who has a statutory responsibility for dealing with such matters. Nothing from the local and district councillors, any of the local main political parties, the local Ramblers' Association, council leader Marion Winship or Mark Harper, the local MP.
The Government's proposals to extend access to the English coastline and create a national coastal trail – or corridor – (in line with Wales and Scotland) are currently being discussed in Parliament. The definition of a coastal path includes rivers like the Severn and the Wye which are tidal.
People should be given a clear legal right of access to shorelines like the Tack. I'm sure that the appropriate safeguards can be put into place to take account of private ownership, wildlife etc.
I believe that the right of people to walk along places like the Tack needs to be seriously addressed. Isn't it a great shame that local people and visitors for the Yacht Club Rally weekend still couldn't legally walk along the Tack foreshore? – G. S. Payne, Lydney.
Thanks for a great fete
ON behalf of myself and the Friends of Dilke Hospital, I would like to take the opportunity, through your paper, to thank every one who supported our annual fete on Saturday June 13. The list is extensive but would include stall holders, car park organisers, draw ticket sellers, people and businesses giving prizes, Berry Hill Band and of course our loyal supporters, all of which helped to make the fete another memorable success with over £4,000 being raised, which, together with all donations channelled through the Friends, will be spent for the benefit of patients at the Dilke Hospital.
The weather was kind, which ensured this years attendance was bigger than ever, which shows the support our local hospitals have, we must all ensure that the services available locally are maintained and where possible increased.
Thank you all once again and remember Saturday June 12, 2010 is Dilke Fete Day. Please put this in your diary. – Robert Young, Chairman, League of Friends Dilke Hospital.