IN reply to Marie Bolt?s letter (February 17) commenting on the rubbish that had been tipped at Abbeyford Woods. This type of incident has occurred quite frequently since the start of the new year, and we have dealt with several cases of illegal tipping in our woodland areas. Thankfully, the incident at Abbeyford Woods that Marie Bolt refers to has been successfully dealt with, thanks to the co-operation and quick response of the Okehampton Police. The persons responsible were traced and asked to remove the rubbish from the wood or else face the possible consequences. The Forestry Commission devotes considerable time and effort into managing a multipurpose open access woodland which is highly valued both by ourselves and the general public, and I think that we are all disappointed when such a beautiful area of woodland that is an asset to the town of Okehampton, is being spoilt by a few mindless individuals. I am also saddened when I see increasingly tight resources being diverted away from improving the woodland to clearing this type of dumping. The Forestry Commission working together with the Police and the Environment Agency will now be seeking to prosecute any illegal tipping of waste in our woodland areas. Dave Powell Area supervisor Forestry Commission
