Farron and community campaign saves Grizedale Forest!

Local MP Tim Farron is celebrating along with campaigners across the South Lakes after the government announced they will halt plans to privatise the remaining public forests.

Tim played a key role in the campaign, joined hundreds of demonstrators at a recent rally in Grizedale Forest, and pressed the minister to halt the plans in a number of meetings in Westminster.

Today's statement by Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Caroline Spelman, retracted the proposals. Mrs Spelman instead made a full apology for 'getting things wrong' and announced that forests would no longer be put up for sale to private owners.

Commenting, Tim said; "This is fantastic news for all of us in the South Lakes, and is worthy of celebration. Our forests are an essential part of our rural heritage and it is vital that we do all we can in our power to ensure that public access and the enormous diversity in wildlife is protected.

"I am extremely grateful that the government has listened to the voice of the people, and recognised that we do not want to see forest like Grizedale being transferred into the hands of the highest bidders for the sake of a few pennies. This is a big win for the people of the South Lakes."