Independents gain on Forest council

Independent councillors are expected to benefit from Labour's loss of the Forest of Dean District Council at the recent local elections.

George Read, an independent councillor from Mitcheldean, is expected to become the new chairman, while another Independent is tipped to become chairman of the planning and development committee.

Labour lost overall control of the council for the first time in 12 years at the May elections.

Although veteran labour leader Bill Hobman is making a bid to be chairman of the influential executive committee.

A full council meeting will take place next Thursday.