AS a resident dog-walker of Mile End I was surprised to see the old oak tree field at Worcester Lodge filling up with cars last Friday. The 'fair'-goers were lucky to have had three beautifully sunny days, but did not show their relief or any respect for the Forest when they started to leave on Monday.
Countless beer/cider bottles and cans, fast food rubbish, human faeces/soiled tissues and even a discarded envelope, clearly showing the recipients name and Bristol address were left all over the field, tracks, paths and hedgerows.
I understand Cinderford Rugby Club withdrew their offer for car-parking at the last minute (probably just as well for Cinderford) which meant the Bristol organisers of the fair were forced to identify Worcester Lodge at late notice.
No security/parking wardens, rubbish bins or toilet facilities were provided at the field – hence why the rubbish was left.
Last Wednesday I collected some of the rubbish and waste, and returned it to 'Chris' one of the Bristol organisers still staying at the hotel.
He told me there had been no problems, and they are making plans to return to The Speech House next year. I suggested to him he and his friends may well encounter some problems, not least from the hotel staff I spoke to, who cleared up exactly the same sort of waste I had collected, but from the floors and wardrobes of the hotel rooms.
I bet that never gets a mention in the hotel brochures. Fingers crossed, they don't apply for a licence to return next year, or they provide toilet facilities and bins. – Lofty, dog walking resident of Mile End.