Businessman Don Burgess believes the toll charges on the Severn Bridges are harming the economy of the Forest.

Don, who owns the Freeminer Brewery and is chairman of the local Federation of Small Businesses, met with the Government's Transport minister Stephen Hammond to argue for a cut to the tolls charges on the Severn Bridges.

Don said: "We would like to get something like off-peak poll reductions, but apparently any changes have to go through an Act of Parliament.

"We need to make an effort to help commerce and small business in the Forest of Dean. Regardless of who owns the bridge, something needs to be done to improve the economy here.

"Anyone who comes back from work in Bristol to make a living has to spend a gallon's worth of fuel or what is almost an hour's worth of their wages if they are on minimum wage."

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