THREE hundred protesters marched on Coleford to object to proposals for the town's 'crown jewel' of a college to be moved to Cinderford.

Protesters of all ages – from pensioners to tots in pushchairs and even family pets – joined the march on Saturday to make their views known.

Organised by the Five Acres Not for Sale group, the event signalled the start of a sustained campaign against the potential loss of college and sports facilities from the Berry Hill site.

There was even a vote of no confidence in the Forest of Dean District Council – criticised for its lack of consultation – and in Forest MP Mark Harper. Gloucestershire College principal Greg Smith also came in for criticism as an 'asset stripper' and was told to take his vision for a new college at Steam Mills elsewhere.