AN announcement late on Tuesday from Forest MP Mark Harper's office states that he is planning to hold a public meeting on the proposed Forest sell-off.

A statement says Mr Harper "has committed to holding a public meeting upon the publication of the Government's White Paper on its new approach to Forest management".

It adds that he is unable to attend the public meeting on December 10 hosted by Cinderford Town Council due to a prior engagement and has written to explain that.

"However, appreciating the concerns of many of his constituents Mark plans to hold a public meeting of his own once the Government publishes its White Paper so that he can listen to their views once they have had a chance to see the Government's proposals," the statement continues, adding a brief comment from the MP himself.

In it Mr Harper says: "I've discussed the Forest of Dean with the Forestry Minister so he is very clear about the importance of protecting the Forest of Dean. 

"When the White Paper on Forestry is published I'm confident it will reflect this. However, until it is published it's difficult to have a proper discussion on the issue. Once the Government's White Paper is published however and my constituents have had a chance to read it I'd be happy to discuss it with them and listen to their views."

There has been vociferous condemnation and little support for the proposals in letters and views expressed to this paper, while Mr Harper is criticised for his apparent support for the Coalition move, saying it presents an opportunity for community ownership of the Forest.

Thousands of Forest people have signed petitions against the move which they say echoes initiatives by previous governments to sell something they regard with special affection.

•Forest sell off – see our readers views within the letters section.