A major row has erupted over plans to move the historic heart of Gloucester into the Forest.

The recommendation by the Boundary Commission has been described as "barking" and "ridiculous" in both the city and the Dean.

But it is the comments by Gloucester Sheriff and Deputy Mayor Pamela Tracey which have sparked the biggest furore.

Coun Tracey (Con, Westgate) commented: "We built the river so we could keep them out!"

Lydney businessmen Brian Cook is among those who say some of the debate reflects longstanding prejudices against the Dean.

Cinderford councillors are so outraged they are making an official complaint to the county and city councils.

Labour spokesman and Cinderford town councillor Di Martin said: "We all think the proposals are ludicrous but we have no problem with Gloucester people. Who does Pam Tracey mean by "they"? This seems to insinuate that we are a different race.

"People feel very strongly about this and an apology might go some way to towards healing the wound."

Councillor Tracey issued a statement through the city council saying: "No offence was intended in relation to my comments about people from the Forest of Dean. The debate about the Parliamentary boundary changes has evoked strong feelings. I was simply trying to express the desire of Gloucester people to protect and preserve their identity."

Under the proposals designed to cut the number of MPs from 650 to 600 by the next General Election, many Gloucester City landmarks would be included in the Forest of Dean constituency.

Constituency boundaries for the six MPs are being redrawn because the Forest is considered too small and Gloucester too large.

It would mean Forest MP Mark Harper taking over responsibility for an area that includes Gloucester Cathedral, the Docks and the Shire Hall.

Gloucester's Conservative MP Richard Graham says Gloucester losing Westgate would be like Hamlet without a Prince.

But Mark Harper said: "These are initial proposals from the Boundary Commission for England. There is now a 12-week period of consultation where members of the public are able to give their views."

Brian Cook, of Whitehouse Press, said: "I'm not a racist, but what has been said about Foresters, and the Over Bridge was wrong. Pam came over in a way that said they were better than us.

"As far as I'm aware, that was a racial comment. I would not be allowed to say that about a person in Gloucester."

Don Burgess of the Freeminers Brewery, Cinderford, said: "I'm pretty appalled about Councillor Tracey's comments on this.

"If Pam says Gloucester people want nothing to do with this, what does she think we think about them? They're nothing better than urban airheads."

Forest historian John Belcher said: "It's absolutely crazy. It's as though they've drawn the plans on the back of an envelope, just drawing 20 miles in each direction. It doesn't include the Severn estuary.

"The comments made are divisive, and have upset people. Why should we just sit back and let this happen?"

Cinderford building boss Keith Bell, said: "I don't see how this could make sense to anyone; they are different areas with totally different people."