PLANS for a third crossing of the Severn Estuary are no longer pipe dreams, says the leader of the Forest of Dean District Council.

The idea of a rail crossing which could connect Lydney to Sharpness are one of the cornerstones of the Vision 2050 Severn Vale Delivery Board in which the Forest authority are to have a key role.

Council leader Tim Gwiliam is due to be nominated as the district council’s representative on the Board along with members from Stroud District Council.

The agreement to work together for mutual benefit between the two authorities will see the Severn Vale Board charged with considering the infrastructure and connectivity of the districts such as rail improvements and links with the M5 and M4 motorway networks.

But, in addition to upgrading the existing transport infrastrucutre of the two sides of the Severn, Vison 2050 also wanted them to consider the third crossing.

A Western Powerhouse which was launched at the House of Lords in July and has enthusiastic backing of Cllr Gwilliam is advocating a rail and cycling crossing, with one side based at Lydney.

FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK’S FORESTER