THE FOREST Council has said there was no need to stop the demolition of buildings at the Northern United site.

The work prompted questions to the full council last week from action group Dean Forest Voice.

Dean Forest Voice put seven questions including one asking if the council had done anything to prevent the demolition.

In a written answer the council said: "The council has well-established enforcement policies and protocols.

"Action would only have been taken where it was expedient to do so."

The council said it was not party to the instructions between the Homes and Community Agency and the demolition contractors but it was aware of the the requirements of the demolition notice.

The council also said there was no pressure on Natural England to replace an earlier licence insisting on demolition by hand with another allowing the use of machinery.

Dean Forest Voice wanted to know if there had been urgent action on the site to meet funding deadline but the council said that had not been the case.

The council also said it was not involved in the reporting of the matters in the local press or any threat of legal action.

The statement also reiterated the council's strong support for the £100m investment in the area.

"Members of this council have given strong support for the regeneration of Cinderford as it will be good for both the town and the entire district. We are working very hard to achieve our aim."