A NEW group formed to fight plans to 'privatise' the boat slipway at Beachley says it has already met with officials and has put a 'revolutionary' proposal to the district council about the future of the facility.

"I don't want to give too many details at the moment because we don't want to say anything before the council looks at it," said Murray Hunt of th Old Ferry Inn, speaking for Beachley Residents and Friends Association.

"All I can say is that we are very pleased with the way things appear to be going at the moment."

"After reading the news that the slipway could be in jeopardy there was a considerable amount of local interest. At the weekend, for example, more than 20 boats were launched here to take advantage of the weather. That's the way we want to keep it, as a local asset."

Mr Hunt added the association welcomed support and would be happy to hear of any suggestions about future use of the slipway, but a lot depended on what the Forest of Dean District Council thought of the proposals thay had before them.