Over 1,600 people have signed a petition to prevent the sale from going ahead and North Down Alliance Cllr Andrew Muir welcomed the support.
He said: "Over the Christmas and New Year period Cairn Wood was again extremely popular with the car park regularly full but sadly, if plans proceed, this amazing asset could be lost forever due to the actions of NI Water, a body within the Department for Regional Development. Sale of the Forest seems to be a short sighted get rich quick plan to sell Northern Ireland's family silver to top-up government coffers.
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"Over the last number of weeks I have been inundated by people to seek action to stop the sale and can happily report that Ards and North Down Councillors will be given an opportunity to voice their opposition to sale on Tuesday, January 12 2016, 7pm at Council offices in Newtownards. At the Corporate Services Committee Meeting Councillors will consider my motion calling upon the Minister for Regional Development to halt the sale. I sincerely hope that local politicians will listen to the will of the public and unite against sale plans."
(CD/LM)
