IT comes as no surprise to me that regeneration "experts" from Gloucester are being used in a £50k deal to advise on Forest of Dean regeneration. Whether the Gloucester people are actually the right people bearing in mind the state of certain areas close to Gloucester city centre is another matter.

Let me categorically state that in my view, and without fear of suspension for telling the truth, the Forest of Dean District Council regeneration department at GL16 never has been and never will be fit for purpose. Fundamentally it is bereft of ideas to take our area forward.

To be fair one word does consistently come up, "consultation." Cinderford mayor Max Coborn will recall a conversation we had a few years back when I congratulated him on the apparent regeneration windfall for Cinderford. Remember what I said about consultants Max? That's where the cash is going old mate. Incompetent public servants are all too willing to follow this path.

Councillors need to wake up and smell the coffee, just for starters.

• Scrap the regeneration dead-wood.

• Scrap a strategic director.

They will not be missed one iota. Expunge consultants – if £50k is available make it available to local business leaders through their forums.

A much more competent, valid opportunity for regeneration and growth is needed for our entire area and not just Cinderford.

– Alan Preest, UKIP.