CINDERFORD Town Council say they have been told to ‘pay up or give up’ the town centre Triangle by Forest of Dean District Council.

The public area is home to a sandwich shop, hairdressers and hosts the town’s weekly traders’ market, but the district council own the triangle and have leased it to the town council for ‘peppercorn rent’ since 2000.

However, the District Council have now written to the town council to change the terms of the lease, according to town clerk Lynda Thomas, who also expects the district council to increase rent on the buildings occupying the space to ‘generate more income’.

“The terms of the lease are that Forest of Dean District Council will expect 80 percent of any income made on the Triangle to be paid to them,” she explained.

“That is totally not going to happen. They know that is not a viable option and they are not willing to discuss new terms.

“I think it’s morally wrong; it is a community asset for the benefit of Cinderford, not the district council. I think they have a moral obligation to discuss a way forward instead of demanding it given back to them.”

Councillor Di Martin, who represents Cinderford on both the district and town councils, said the town council had ‘effectively managed the triangle for years’ and was concerned that the district council are getting involved ‘suddenly now when thing are tight’.

“I would like to ask questions,” she added.

“I’d like to bring Richard Boyles (cabinet member for finance, asset management and performance) to the next council meeting.

“It’s alright to have these letters, but I want to know where the commitment is from the district council to the community. Maybe we could register the Triangle as a community asset?

“We’ve had ultimatums rather than options, and the only option we’ve been given is pay up or give up.”

Mayor Max Coborn was equally disappointed, saying: “Basically they want to have the asset. They probably want to sell it because they want to make as much money as possible.

“I’m considering putting a motion in at a full district council meeting. It might stop this for the time being.”

Cllr Mark Turner, who is considering a ‘Hands off our Triangle’ campaign, felt protest action could be necessary.

“Surely the only option is that they let us have it,” he said.

“Perhaps we should occupy their offices if they try to take it off the town at the end of December?

“If we can get 100 people supporting an American supermarket we should surely be able to get that many people at the council offices.”

A spokesperson for the district council said: “A recent condition survey of the land and buildings at the Triangle has identified that approximately £5,000 of repair works are required to make the clock tower safe for public access.

“In accordance with the current lease Cinderford Town Council is liable for the maintenance of the land and buildings at the Triangle. We are in the process of working through several options with them to ensure the best outcome for the Triangle, including the businesses on the site.

“To clarify, there has been no discussions on raising rents.”

“Cllr Boyles has confirmed that he is happy to attend a meeting with the Town Council to explain the options and opportunities for the Triangle to ensure it remains a centrepiece for the town.”