Regeneration proposals supported by ex-miners

Two former miners have pledged their support for the regeneration of Cinderford Northern Quarter in the Forest of Dean, saying it would breathe new life into the town.

Eighty-seven-year-old Les Ruck and 75-year-old Dave Harvey are eager for plans for the proposed Gloucestershire College Forest of Dean campus, a new £8.9m spine road and other residential, leisure and commercial development to get the go-ahead.

The proposed Northern Quarter regeneration aims to unlock more than £100m in investment to redevelop the former coalfield site and bring employment and opportunities to the district. It would create and deliver a vibrant new destination for business, education, lifestyle and homes in a beautiful forest setting. Set to create over a thousand new jobs, the Northern Quarter would approximately double the number of jobs lost when the mines closed.

A detailed planning application for the new college and access road College will be submitted to Forest of Dean District Council by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and Gloucestershire College early this year.

Graham Morgan, Chair of the Cinderford Regeneration Board said: "We are at a very important stage in shaping these important proposals to bring investment, jobs and opportunities to the Forest of Dean. So it’s encouraging to have such strong support from local people who have been at the heart of this community for decades."

David Warburton, Head of Area for the HCA, said: "The designs will transform a derelict site into a cutting edge, sustainable centre to study and work. I hope that our vision is realised for people like Dave and Les who are as passionate about the future of Cinderford as they are proud of its history and heritage."