THE press conference called on May 24 at the Forest Campus was 11th hour stuff. It is quite clear that Gloscol, the Homes and Communities Agency and district council have been hatching plans to move the college to Cinderford for some considerable time.

What a shame they didn't bother to tell the community members it serves?

The meeting was NOT a public meeting. Jamie Elsmore and another FANS member were invited with two days' notice, along with two Berry Hill parish councillors and Mike Jones from Dean Forest Voice.

These were lone voices of disquiet in a room full of Gloscol, HCA and FODDC representatives. Greg Smith was, let's face it, preaching to the converted for the most part. They were hunting in packs.

Greg Smith, a self-confessed businessman, gave a powerpoint presentation that did not feature the word "community" and education was synonymous with money. It was clear that no thought has been given to what happens to the Berry Hill site if the college is moved, and there is nothing the FODDC or HCA has said that convinces FANS that any of the facilities left will be safe.

FANS members were quick to voice their disappointment at the poor past management of the college and public relations disaster, which has led to the self-fulfilling decline of the college on the Five Acres site.

Mr Smith tried to put the blame on parents and young people not using the college: FANS pointed out that the college had not promoted itself or kept up with the times.

Mr Smith says he has a project team working on moving the college and making it smaller. Why not put the time and resources into developing courses fit for the 21st Century to boost student numbers where they are, and thus increase revenue? Graphics courses are only currently offered in Gloucester – it does not take a whole new building to install computers at Five Acres, surely?

You must be crazy to move to the Northern Quarter Freeminer, Mike Jones told Greg Smith. He asked Mr Smith if he had read the pivotal 2007 Halcrow report into the geological hazards in that region. Mr Smith, significantly, said "no" he had not.

Mr Smith and the FODDC claim that moving to Cinderford will help regenerate that area, which is good for the whole Forest. It may well have a de-generating effect on Berry Hill, and that is the totally understandable fear locally. How can that be good for the whole Forest?

Significantly, relationships with schools and communities in the area have not been maintained or nurtured, despite what the college may say.

When Jamie Elsmore, chairman of FANS brought this to the attention of site principal Lynne Craig, she said: "I don't have time to do tea and biscuits."

Peter White, marketing director of Gloscol is hoping to attend the next public meeting on FANS on June 12, at 7.30pm at Berry Hill Rugby Club. FANS would welcome dialogue with Mr White.

FANS are organising their march from Lakers site at 10.30am to the Coleford clocktower on June 23.

They stress that it will be a peaceful (they are in close contact with the police), family-centred gathering, with no abusive slogans. All ages welcome, but no unsupervised young children please.

Julia Sykes

Vice-chairman FANS