Wentwood Forest: United in Pledge Against Commercial logging

3.03.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 21st Jun 2005

Local MP, AMs and councillors have joined together to pledge to support the Woodland Trust's campaign to secure Wentwood Forest for future community use against the threat of commercial logging.

Phil Hobson, leader of the Liberal Democrats on Monmouthshire County Council, together with Laura Ann Jones, AM for South Wales East, Jane Robbins, Lib Dem Chepstow Town Councillor and David Davies, AM and MP for the Monmouth Constituency all committed themselves to work together to support the Woodland Trust campaign to purchase sections of Wentwood Forest presently on the market for sale.

The united pledge came as a result of a successful and well attended public meeting at Caerwent Village Hall.

Phil Hobson said, "We are all equally committed to seeing Wentwood Forest secured for future community use. All of us are concerned by the threat of commercial logging. Many people say 'why don't you politicians work together' - here is an example of where we do come together and work for the common good."

Local area AM, Liberal Democrat Michael German, is also supporting the campaign. Mr. German is a former minister who was responsible for Wales' woodlands. When Minister for Rural Development, Mr. German purchased Caerphilly Woodlands and handed over the land to a local community action group. The former Welsh Assembly Government Minister Michael German AM has called for an urgent statement from his successor on the serious threat to the future of the Wentwood Forest between Newport and Chepstow.

He said, "The Assembly Government should step in and provide the cash assistance to enable these woodlands to be purchased for the benefit of the public and to return their ancient woodland status."

Chepstow Town Councillor, Jane Robbins said that there had been a great and overwhelming response from people in Chepstow. "We've been out delivering the campaign and pledge leaflets and people are rallying to the cause to save Wentwood from logging."