WE have sent the following letter to our MP, Mark Harper.

'We attended the rally at Speech House concerned

about the 'privatisation / sell off' of parts or all of the

area known as the Forest of Dean – or parts of the

woodland area.

'We were concerned that as our MP you were

nowhere in sight and according to reports were somehow

distancing yourself – for whatever reason – from what is

happening at present.

'We read the articles (including your 'On the Mark' in

the local paper), but I am still concerned that you were

voted in by people of the area and you are not taking an

active interest by standing behind the concerns of your

constituents. We understood that is why you were elected:

To represent our concerns.

'Clearly for some 3,000 plus residents (local voters,

not political hecklers) to turn out on an extremely cold,

post New Year day Bank Holiday to stand in a snowy

blizzard in a field on a hill at Speech House, must indicate

concern and also mistrust of the situation which is being

discussed at present in Parliament, but importantly too of

having an effect on your relationship with your

constituents.

'There may be brighter pastures ahead for you, or

you may not consider our fears justified or considered,

but you were voted into this parliament, with the many

privileges available to you personally, to represent your

constituency voters' concerns.

'3,000 plus and their contacts could change the

political dynamics for an MP who shows disdain for the

concerns of the local vote.

'Baroness Jan Royall of Blaisdon, Leader of the

opposition in the House of Lords, gave a very informative

and eloquent speech, indicating her concerns, awareness

and support concerning this debate together with the

need for Parliament to accept an amendment for the

Forest of Dean to be excluded from sale in Clause 17 and

the disadvantages of waiting for the 'white paper'.

'Where were you Mark Harper?

'Perhaps you were indulging in some of the delights

our votes have given you access to...'

– Jennifer and Mark Westgate, Mile End.