MARK Harper's comments in the press last week that the local opposition to the sale of the Forest is "politically driven," is I believe an insult to the intelligence of the electorate.
This issue transcends all party lines.
Mark says "no threat, everything is ok," doesn't square with what his boss Jim Paice is saying.
The public are right to be sceptical by the fact that White papers are usually preceded by consultative Green papers – not this time!
Recent letters in the press from Councillors Stephen MacMillan and Brian Thornton advocating the sell-off as a good thing and telling us what a good idea it is, have done nothing to allay the public's fears.
In fact Coun Thornton's letters have raised more questions than answers and I feel he would be well advised to stop putting pen to paper.
In the last couple of years, three well-known and highly respected men of the Forest have sadly passed on – namely Dr Cyril Hart, Melville Watts and Councillor George Read.
I can only imagine that they would be appalled at these proposals. Indeed I'm sure the Verderers would be playing a fuller role if Mr Watts was still alive, instead of remaining silent.
I am pleased to be part of the Council delegation led by Independent councillor Andrew Gardiner going to Westminster on January 17 to get support for a continued exemption for the Forest of Dean.
To keep the exemption which Foresters fought so hard for in 1981, with the assistance of Paul Marland MP and the late Lord Bledisloe.
Once it's gone, it's gone forever.
Councillor Norman Stephens
Independent Newnham and Westbury
Leader of the Independent Group FODDC