AS a retiree from the rat race now dwelling in the heart of the Forest of Dean I greatly value the Forest way of life and its idiosyncratic culture.

In common with the majority of its residents I was aghast at the ostensible lack of respect and wall of silence from Westminster regarding the very great concern about the selling off of the Forest and desecrating this unique way of life.

An equally disquieting ilk is the new Localism Bill now reaching its more final stages. What higher echelons could not achieve because of HOOF's influence is now achievable via this bill – the Forest is in susceptible danger as pockets and areas of land are being acquired for future building which will be made possible as a result of this Bill.

Perhaps Mark Harper would kindly ratify this time that our fears are to be allayed?

– Name and address withheld.