SO the powers-that-be in the Forestry Commission are thinking of imposing "on the spot" fines for parking offences. Already they feel free to shoot wild boar on sight. And now they appear to be embarking on an attempt to stop the ancient traditions of free sheep grazing.

Are we living in England in 2012? At times it seems more like Germany in the 1930s. Or out in Dodge City with guntoting rustlers.

Sadly we all labour under a bit of an illusion. We who are lucky enough to live in the Forest of Dean think of it as 'Our' Forest. "Save our Forest" the campaigners cried. If only it really were "our" Forest!

In fact the Forest of Dean belongs to the State – just as it once belonged to King John. The people who run it are therefore civil servants and the sooner we face the fact the better. Like all civil servants they build nice steady careers, at the end of which they will retire with nice index linked pensions. Everything they do is designed to make money for the State and boost their pensions. That's what selling wood is all about, and so are expensive holiday chalets and cycle tracks for tourists, never mind parking fines.

Incomes and pension funds, that's the reality of the situation and if they could charge us for breathing Forest air they would probably do so.

Finally, don't dream of turning to the Forest of Dean Council for help. As far as the Forestry Commission is concerned that august body can take a running jump. In order to put an end to the illusion that we have a voice in matters I would respectfully suggest that we change the name from Forest of Dean Council to West Gloucestershire County Council.

Then we shall all know where we stand.

– David Datta, Coleford.