CINDERFORD could finally see a much sought-after Asda store open its doors by the end of the year after the Secretary of State agreed with the decision to grant planning permission.

Trilogy Developments, who are in charge of delivering the supermarket, was told over Christmas that the government office had declined to call in the application following several legal challenges from Midcounties Co-operative.

Patrick Stones, managing director of Trilogy, said: "I am delighted that the Government Office has agreed with the decision of the Council to grant permission for this new store.

"I hope the Co-op will now accept this decision, which has huge public support and was approved unanimously by the Forest of Dean planning committee twice last year."

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