AN association formed to fight plans to sell a River Severn slipway has praised the Forest council for its decision to retain ownership and allow unrestricted public access.

"We are very pleased. It is a very sensible decision and a very practical decision," said spokesman Murray Hunt, who is publican at Beachley's Old Ferry Inn adjacent to the slipway.

Beachley Friends and Residents Association was formed after local people learned the council was considering sale of the slipway to commercial interests which could restrict and even block local access.

Mr Hunt told the Review they had put proposals to the council for a partnership which would help look after the slipway, an offer which was still on the table should the council need it.

He said that even though the happy decision had been made for the slipway to stay in public ownership, they would keep the association running.

Cllr Brian Robinson, deputy leader of the Forest of Dean District Council and cabinet member for Efficient Council and Planning Policy, said: "We made this decision as a result of the community's concerns that residents would no longer have free access to use the slipway if it was leased to someone else. 

"People who use the slipway feel it is an important asset for the community and we are very pleased to be able to make this decision and keep it open for public use."