A HIGH Court judge has cleared the path for a major £70 million investment scheme to breathe new life into Cinderford. Work will now forge ahead to develop a new college, work units, housing and a spine road at Steam Mills, creating some 1,200 jobs.

The scheme was under threat following a legal challenge by the Forest Friends of the Earth on environmental grounds - but the High Court has ruled that the scheme can continue.

Leader of the district council Patrick Molyneaux said: "I am absolutely delighted. Looking after the wildlife and the environment is hugely important to us but this is a huge opportunity to redevelop a coalfields site.

"We never stopped working because we always felt the challenge was a technical matter that could be corrected, but time is of the essence. I know the college is keen to move sooner rather than later."

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