CINDERFORD people are being asked to comment on proposals for the Northern Quarter which could at last see visible changes within a five-year framework.

The Coalfields cash-driven plans for the Northern Quarter – son of the Northern Arc – are themselves the distilled result of almost ten years of consultations and deliberations.

But this time is different says Cinderford regeneration manager Wendy Jackson – it should culminate in a final and binding planning inspector's report next summer that sets the framework for projects to go ahead. And in five years' time there could be some really visible changes.

Those familiar with progress so far will recognise that the new plan (see centre pages) differs from earlier versions, having a new 'spine' road from Broadmoor Road at the northern edge of Forest Vale Industrial Park up to the A4136.

It includes increased space for the Eco-visitor centre. There is now no development in the flood plain or on Forestry land, and an activity centre is back in as part of the Education Centre. There is also increased space for 'green links'.

Wendy says she appreciates that people are eager to see changes taking place but all the steps are necessary ones when many organisations were involved. Now that the Forest of Dean Council has appointed a team to oversee future moves, projects would speed up.

"We are working as fast as we can to move things forward," she said. "For example a local developer with land in the area is talking with us about the planning issues."

She urges everyone to see the proposals and give their views – the plans can be seen in the Cinderford Coop foyer from October 12 and they will later be displayed at the Belle Vue Centre. Also from October 12 you can visit the FoDDC www. fdean.gov.uk website and go to the planning pages to view the full on-line version of the AAP preferred options document and the Sustainability Appraisal.

She said the £14.5million Coalfield money was still on the table for the project. Gloucestershire County Council would be in charge of constructing the spine road – vital to the scheme – once approval was granted.