Calls for action to safeguard Cannock Chase

The leader of a campaign group looking to safeguard the future of Cannock Chase wants people to bombard the Government with reasons why the beauty spot is important to them.

Mark Davis, of Save Cannock Chase, wants people to write to the Independent Panel on Forestry to get them to visit the Chase.

Mr Davis is disappointed that the panel, formed by Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman to advise her on forestry and woodland, will visit the Forest of Dean, Northumberland and Kent in the summer but not the Chase.

He said: "I'm disappointed that they are not coming to Cannock, but we are going to keep pushing for it."

Mr Davis is asking people to both write to the panel and contact the action group with their fears for the future of the Chase and why the forest is so important to them and their families.

He added: "We are going to send a submission in, featuring our concerns and points made by individual members of the public."

Mr Davis, who also heads the popular Facebook group What future for Cannock Chase forest?, said a good level of response will demonstrate the strength of public opinion and fears about the future of the Chase.

Save Cannock Chase members are keen for the panel to realise that campaigners have not gone away since the Government's U-turn on selling off woodland.

"We are keen for them to understand how much passion and concern is out there," added Mr Davis.

People can get involved at www.savecannockchase.org.uk