A GROUP of local say they are 'extremely concerned' about deer shooting in the Forest, some taking place while school children were on half-term holiday.

Spokesman Ron Beddis, who lives near Cinderford, said they felt the level of deer-culling was unnecessary anyway, but the fact that London children were holidaying in the Forest part of the time and local schools also broke up in the period posed big safety risks.

"I understand high powered hunting rifles are used – they can kill at up to three miles," he said. "You can't tell me anyone can be absolutely sure where every shot is going.

"I know for a fact that when shooting was taking place near Kensley Lodge (not far from Speech House) London children were using the nearby cycle tracks, and later local schools were also on half term.

"I know of one couple who were out on October 24th walking their dogs and with a baby in a pushchair and they were really frightened when they heard shooting close by.

"We also don't know why it is necessary to shoot the best bucks, or why they should be shot in the rutting season when this is the best chance for them to be seen and photographed.

"I am personally concerned too about the numbers of deer being taken. If they carry on like this there are not going to be any deer left."

A Forestry Commission spokesperson said Forest herd numbers were constantly monitored by staff.

"The annual cull, starting in early October (as it has done traditionally for hundreds of years), takes place in the light of those numbers with the aim of maintaining a healthy herd that is sustainable without too much damage to developing trees," she said.

"The responsibility for maintaining the balance is one we take very seriously.

"Here in the Dean only a very small part of the cull is undertaken by deer stalkers. All the stalkers are experienced and have one to one supervision with a trained wildlife ranger. At all times safety is of paramount importance."

She added that since the foot and mouth outbreak the deer population had actually expanded and the animals had extended their range.