WITH regard to the recent controversy following the reports of Mr Andrew Gardiner's excellent sounding plan for the proposed 'Rainbow Project' involving, possibly, a return of a much-needed rail link.
I am surprised and shocked at the extent of objections and the attitude of fellow Foresters.
But are they true Foresters or people originating from elsewhere trying to alter Forest traditions? Similar, perhaps, to those objecting to the unique free-roaming Forest sheep.
The Forest once depended upon its network of railways which coincided with the area's coal mining industry. Both played major parts in its heritage and were responsible for much of the growth residentially as well as business-wise.
One example of dependency was the masses of starving Foresters who waited for a steam-hauled train to get through the big snow of 1947 into Cinderford carrying a supply of flour to make bread. There was no other way of getting it there.
Another example was that trains were the only means of seaside trips for Foresters.
This is really irrelevant as the plan in question is probably just an initial suggestion and the rail link only a simple connecting one between the two towns. Sadly it may not be steam but motorised.
Pollution worries are uncalled for and do not compare to that of growing road traffic with its pollution, noise and stink. Adding to this is that from increasing air traffic.
Sue Farley's letter mentions environment and wildlife. What is worse than these two enemies that are having a huge effect?
The proposal by Mr Gardiner and his associates sounds a fantastic one and should be much applauded and supported, not condemned.
It would have been that much more exciting, if an alternative, or even accompanying, rail route had been talked of, this being the old route between Drybrook and Cinderford etc and the main Gloucester and South Wales line at Bullo Pill, near Newnham.
This took in three historic tunnels, one of which has described as the oldest in the world being built for a tramroad before the railways. Possibly, too, this route would entail less so-called 'interruption.' – Jeff Butler, Kings Mead, Newnham.