The Forest of Dean Labour Party has voted overwhelming to support the retention of Cannop Ponds. We believe that a combination of the cultural heritage, recreational traditions, and environmental diversification offered by the current ponds outweigh any potential benefits offered by alternative use. We believe that all efforts should be made to undertake whatever remedial work is deemed essential to maintain the safety and security of the site in order to preserve its current appearance and use. We are concerned that evidence of potential dam failure is too speculative and that any increased risk of dam failure is wholly and solely the responsibility of the land owner. We will continue to lobby for the retention of the ponds and believe the issues and challenges faced in their maintenance are indicative of years of neglect and stewardship failuredemonstrated by both local and national leaders. Those responsible must be held accountable for the marked absence of measures designed to ensure continuity of useat the site. If it were within our abilities to do so the Labour Group would take the site into public ownership and seek compensation from those historically responsible for its stewardshipto undertake whatever measures are needed to retain the ponds as they are.