THE Forest's first protest march since the HOOF?campaign will be held on Saturday when people opposed to the sell-off of Five Acres College walk from Berry Hill to Coleford.

The march, which will be led by a brass band, has been organised by the protest group FANS – Five Acres Not For Sale.

"The aim is to highlight and let people know there is growing opposition to any suggestion of a sale not only of the college and its grounds but the theatre and sporting facilities. This is not opposition to the regeneration of Cinderford where some want a new college to be built. But it is opposition to the regeneration of one area to the detriment of another," said John Belcher.

He added: "There is increasing opposition to a suggest the college should be sited at the so-called Northern Quarter development. People feel they have been side-stepped and the correct democratic procedures have not been followed."

He said walkers would meet at Lakers School at Five Acres at 10am on Saturday and walk to Coleford's clock tower.

Opponents of the college move claimed to have "put the council on the back foot" following a public meeting at Berry Hill RFC last week.

They said there was uproar amongst the 150 strong gathering at what was perceived as "the shocking lack of respect shown by Gloscol and Greg Smith towards the Coleford community."

In a statement FANS said Cllrs Patrick Molyneux and Terry Hale had been challenged for "not listening to the voices of the people they represent."

Cllr Molyneux, leader of the council, said plans were in the early stages.

The meeting was also told of growing concern about the amount of new housing planned for Berry Hill and the lack of infrastructure.