AMPAIGN to save Cwmcarn Forest Drive continues to gather momentum with a week left to run on a petition already signed by more than 2,200 people.

Campaigners have been protesting against plans by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to close the area in order to cut down thousands of diseased trees. There has been speculation it might never re-open.

Six weeks ago, the campaigners set up a Facebook group and an online petition to persuade NRW not to close Gwent’s biggest tourist attraction.

The social media site now has more than 4,500 members and the petition on the NRW’s website has been signed by 2,249 people.

Last month NRW revealed that the seven-mile Forest Drive road will close on November 2 to allow large-scale felling of trees affected by untreatable larch disease across an area of 400 acres, but Cwmcarn forest and its facilities will remain open.

In a letter to the Argus, Rob Southall, who set up the online petition, said that despite the plans much had been achieved since the beginning of the campaign.

He said: “We have changed the NRW’s mind about the time the drive is likely to be closed.

“Initially it was indefinite, with a cautious warning that it would take at least six years.

“At present they have told us the felling will take about two years but they are still not guaranteeing its eventual reopening to cars.”

Chris Evans, the MP for Islwyn, is also against the closure.

He said: “So many constituents have contacted to me with concerns about the closure of Cwmcarn Forest Drive.

“The forest is a real gem enjoyed by people of all ages.

“That is why I have been in contact with Natural Resources Wales, seeking assurances about its future.”

The Friends of Cwmcarn Forest Drive have organised a public meeting at the Cwmcarn Institute on Thursday, October 16 at 7pm.

Members of the public will be able to question NRW representatives in a final attempt to ensure Cwmcarn Forest Drive reopens in its current form as soon as the felling of the larches is complete.

Peter Cloke, from NRW, previously said closing Forest Drive was a “very difficult” decision, but one which was necessary to make sure work was carried out safely.