HAPPY New Year from your caring, listening and inclusive Forest of Dean District Council.

This year the council will impose car parking charges and garden waste charges – Happy New Year.

The public's perception of the Forest of Dean District Council's approach to community of 'doing too' rather than 'doing with' has been reinforced by these irrational charges.

Cllr Molyneux, leader of the council, said: "We have a listening ear to our community."

This is how he and his Cabinet team have listened:

1. Ignored 7,000 signature petition opposing car parking charges.

2. Ignore a 97 per cent online poll opposing car parking charges.

3. Ignored the passionate pleas from traders and businesses also opposing these charges.

4.?Failed to fully consult with businesses, traders and the general public through the scrutiny process.

"Listening ear?" Make up your own mind.

Has the HOOF campaign been forgotten? Surely the council must realise there is no fury like a Forester scorned!

Reading the minutes from the district and town council minutes regarding the matter of car parking charges (these are all available on the relevant websites) proves an interesting read.

I was somewhat astonished to see one particular Coleford Town councillor has voted against the charges at town council level, but then for the charges at district council level – what is going on?

Perhaps more disturbing is the fact that the final decision at district level was taken by the five cabinet members only – none of whom represent any of the towns in the Forest.

Time to name and shame these cabinet members:?Cllr Patrick Molyneux (Hewelsfield), Cllr Brian Robinson (Mitcheldean), Cllr Terry Hale (Newland and St Briavels), Cllr Diana Edwards (Newnham), Cllr Martin Quaile (Littledean).

I believe the sooner this Cabinet system of governance is removed the better for all concerned.

I guess the Cabinet members may be reluctant to go, as we, the taxpayers, have to pay them additional allowances! I elected my councillor to have a voice for me when crucial decisions are made. This is not the case – effectively 42 councillors are excluded.

The Localism Act gives councillors the ability to elect whatever type of management they want for the Forest, which is why I hope the remaining councillors use this new power to change this unfair and unrepresentative Cabinet system. A vote of no confidence in the present Cabinet is also an alternative.

One question that I have yet to find the answer to, is will district councillors pay for car parking charges in the council car park? I suspect not.

The so-called freezing of the council tax, is a myth. Both the car parking and garden waste charges are stealth taxes, and I fear just the start of many more to come. Watch out leisure services!

Di Martin's suggestion of an 11p per household, per week increase is the most obvious, sensible and cost effective idea.

I would urge everyone to ask their local district councillor which way he or she voted for car parking charges??The Tory members have toed the line, but look at how many 'Independents' voted for car parking charges (obeying their Tory masters?)

Finally, with regard to our M.P. Mark Harper. Once again the silence is deafening. Has he too forgotten HOOF?

Happy New Year? Yes, it can be if your elected district councillor acts on your behalf.

– D. Short, High Nash, Coleford.