ORGANISERS of an exhibition looking at the future of Berkeley have hailed the event as a success.

Almost 250 residents visited the two-day exhibition organised by David Wilson Homes and Green Issues Communications.

In November, a government inspector recommended that Berkeley was a suitable location for a 300-home development and the exhibition included the latest thinking for development, as well as ideas on how the development, if it was to go ahead, might benefit the town.

Frank Browne, of organisers Green Issues Communications, said: "We are delighted with the level of interest shown on this issue and for all the feedback we have received so far. This information will guide us as to how we now progress with the inspector's proposal to allocate this land in Stroud's Local Plan.

"A number of key issues and strong messages have come through from the exhibition and we will be considering how best to address those that we are able to."

He added: "The feedback received will now be carefully analysed and copies of the exhibition report will be made public as soon as possible. We would also like to thank everyone who has participated in this important consultation on the future of Berkeley."

Jean Stanton, secretary of the Association of Berkeley Residents Against Insensitive Development (ABRAID), said: "There was nothing new on display as far as I was concerned. "It was useful talking to representatives from David Wilson Homes but they were surprised at the amount of people who came to the exhibition and were against the plan."

ABRAID is campaigning against the development because they feel it would lead to over development of the town.

Mrs Stanton added: "We have written a report which we have sent to members of Stroud District Council and to other organisations. There is a lot of support for us and everybody is trying to what they want out of it and a compromise."

Stroud District Council is assessing the inspector's report during March and April.

Should the proposed 300 homes for Berkeley remain in the plan then a full public consultation would begin in May.