I THOUGHT we lived in a democracy – you know, that old-fashioned idea of government of the people, by the people and for the people. I must have  blinked and missed the crucial moment when the Forest of Dean became a dictatorship.   

I refer, of course, to  the district council who do what they like and not what the electors want.   I can understand that when there are strong opposing arguments, such as the Five Acres affair, the councillors have to make the decision – always bearing in mind what is best for the greatest number of people.   However, when the vast majority want something, such as weekly rubbish collections or free car parking, the will of the people should prevail.

It is time a law was brought in for such situations so that where a majority want something then it should be done.   Our 'representatives' are guilty of fraud, deception and just plain bloody-mindedness.  

The trouble is that by the time of the next election  many will have forgotten all about it and just vote on party lines as usual.   Personally I think parties have no place in  local election and we should all vote according to the advertised views of the candidates.  

The sheer stupidity of the charge for car parking is incredible.   The council are supposed to be intelligent people with the good of the whole area at heart.  

How can it be sensible to drive people away from the shops, libraries and doctors' surgeries.  

It is still not too late for them to admit they have made a mistake and reverse the policy.   After all, if George Osborne can make numerous U-turns over the budget, surely our lot can do the same.

– B. C. Baker, Allastone Road, Lydney.