TWENTY years ago the Forestry Commission wanted to cut down 600 ancient oak trees in Chestnut Wood and Green Bottom.

The local community was up in arms and after a long, and sometimes bitter, fight the Forestry relented and the trees were saved.

But it seems after all this time they are coming back wanting to cut them down again.

Some 385 ancient oaks, planted around 1812 are earmarked for felling.

The Forestry call it thinning; I call it devastation.

The passion that won the day 20 years ago needs to be rekindled again and the Forestry ought to hold a public meeting to explain why this devastation is needed.

The Commission hardly makes a penny out of the timber but the issue for the locals is the amenity and aesthetic value of the trees.

It begs the question who are the Forestry Commission accountable to?

Surely they must seek the views of local people before embarking on such a scheme?

I urge everyone who is interested in saving these ancient trees to attend the annual general meeting of the Friends of Chestnut Woods at Flaxley Schoolrooms at 7.30pm on Thursday, November 13.

– Pete Stanway, Popes Hill.