TWO damn at a popular beauty spot in the Forest of Dean could be demolished as they don't meet modern standards, Forestry England has said.

The Government agency is reviewing the future of Cannop Ponds, 11 miles south of Ross-on-Wye, after concerns were raised about the condition of its ageing dams which if breached could flood Parkend, Whitecroft and Lydney.

The ponds, which are three miles from Coleford, are almost 200 years old and were originally built for industrial works at Parkend in the 1820s. It has since become a beauty spot enjoyed by local walkers and nature lovers alike.

But its future was thrown into doubt last week when Forestry England revealed “the age of the dams means they do not meet modern engineering standards”.

They said recent inspections have identified significant engineering issues and are considering the removal of both its dams to “return the valley back to its natural state.”

Speaking at the environment scrutiny committee on July 13, Councillor Alan Preest (C, Lydney) called for Deputy Surveyor Kevin Stannard to clarify what their plans are to Gloucestershire County Council.

“At the moment, what they’ve announced through the press does look a bit more like unnatural flood management rather than natural flood management.

"We know that corridor that goes from Cannop down all the way to Parkend, Whitecroft and Lydney. And we know of all the issues.

“We do need some definitive clarifications from Mr Stannard about what they are actually doing to convey that message out to the wider public.”

Coun Preest said the council, which is the lead flood authority, deserves more information about the scheme and councillors should be able to ask the deputy surveyor about his proposals.

The local authority is expected to write to Forestry England to request a briefing.

Forestry England has not responded to a request for comment. But, in a statement they issued last week, they said they will be working with engineers in the near future.

“During the summer, Forestry England will work with design engineering consultants Arup to talk to professional stakeholders and industry experts. This will confirm if a re-naturalising of the site would be both viable and supported.

“Following this, information will be shared with the public. If removal of the dams is seen to be the best option, we will speak with Forest of Dean residents and their representatives to gather thoughts on how the site could look and function in the future.

“We are committed to providing spaces that bring people and forests closer together, and any future vision for Cannop Ponds would continue to welcome people, encouraging them to explore and enjoy the site.”