MP MARK Harper has told angry protesters he will talk to the public after a Government White Paper on forestry has been published.

The Forest of Dean MP faced a fierce reaction from people with placards when he arrived at a carers' event at the Main Place in Coleford last Friday.

Mr Harper refused to answer repeated questions about why he cannot attend a public meeting arranged by Cinderford Town Council at the Miners' Welfare Hall next Friday at 7pm.

But he told Cinderford film-maker Michael Thomas on camera: "I'm going to have a public meeting in the new year when the Government publishes its Forestry White Paper and I will be very happy at that time to explain what the Government's plans are, and to reassure people in the Forest of Dean that the Government has no intention of damaging the things we hold dear."

The protest outside the Main Place was organised by public services union Unison against proposed library cuts, but the main focus for many of the 30 people who attended was the Forest sell-off. However, the Hands Off Our Forest campaign group was not involved.

Protester Dave Morris said: "As we are his constituents our MP could at least tell us why he can't come and discuss the issue."

Mr Harper drove to the front of the Main Place at 10am only to find a car in his allocated parking space. As he walked down Old Station Way, a passing motorist threw a missile, believed to be an apple at the MP, which narrowly missed him, yelling: "You should be ashamed of yourself!"

One man, who calls himself Gentleman Jim, tried to prevent Mr Harper from entering the Main Place, and pushed the MP back. Mr Harper told him: "Peaceful protesting is fair enough, but violence is not on."

"Jim", 47, from Bream, denied he was violent. He said: "I wanted to stop him from ignoring us.

"Once more people realise about the sell-off of the Forest to rich people they will get much angrier. Foresters won't let rich people take our land."

As Mr Harper arrived, Coleford town councillor Roger Drury led a singalong with songs he had written with titles such as You'll Never Sell Our Forest. He said: "Mark Harper is completely ignoring us. He is just taking all his cues from Whitehall."

Hands Off Our Forest chairman Rich Daniels later said: "The protest was not one of ours. We know that people are very angry about the effects of the cuts and the forestry proposals. However, the HOOF campaign believes that courteous and respectful dialogue is the most effective way of communicating the views of our supporters and achieving ultimate success."