COUNCILLOR Pam?Tracey, Sheriff of Gloucester but acting like the Sheriff of Nottingham, said: "We built the river so we could keep them out," by which she was infering the people of the Forest of Dean were outlaws who should keep their distance.

She was upset over suggestions by the Boundary Commission that the constituency of the Forest of Dean should include parts of Gloucester.

If that is the way she feels about Foresters, then I advise her not to come anywhere near the Forest of Dean until she realises she holds an important position and has learnt how to behave in public.

The Sheriff of Nottingham also had lessons to learn when dealing with Foresters and they, too, were outlaws.

Pam?Tracey would do well to mend her ways and remember that just as the Sheriff of Nottingham could not stop Foresters from entering his castle at will, so she as Sheriff of Gloucester will be unable to stop Foresters crossing the river at will.

It is to the Boundary Commission she should direct her complaints. It is to the Forest she should direct her apologies.

– Anthony Reeve.