Hasna: Children are not really allowed in here but, as things are rather quiet this evening, I think we can allow you to stay. What is your name?
Crinkle: My name is Crinkle. I live in Rhymer’s Hatch.
Steela: Hmmm. Our open evenings are intended solely for residents of Forest View. What do my fellow councillors think?
Grongrin: Oh let the girl stay. We make the rules so we can break them if we want to. Now then Crinkle. How can we assist you?
Crinkle: You’ve got to stop Hawk Enterprises. They are destroying the Greenwood.
Jala: Young lady! We are the Town Council! You, who do not even live here, cannot tell us what to do! Kindly leave immediately!
Hasna: Please leave. We have important matters to attend to.
Crinkle: Wibble sent me. He said I should come and speak to you.
Jala: Wibble! That stupid old troublemaker! I suggest you keep well away from him. In fact, it would probably be best if you went home right away.
Hasna: Please leave. We have important matters to attend to.
Crinkle: I’m concerned about the future of the Greenwood.
Jala: In what way are you concerned?
Crinkle: The forest is being destroyed and, before long, there will be nothing left of the Greenwood.
Steela: But it’s only a forest. If you want to see trees, there are plenty of other places that you can visit.
Crinkle: The forest creatures are losing their habitats.
Grongrin: We can’t concern ourselves with the welfare of wild animals. What does it matter if they have to move to somewhere else? You are only a child. You do not understand these things.
Crinkle: The Clunkers are forcing people to leave their homes.
Grongrin: Hawk Enterprises have assured us that anyone who willingly sells them their home receives generous payment.
Crinkle: That may be true, but those who don’t want to sell their homes are forced to leave. They made Saffron leave her mill!
Crinkle: Creatures such as the ghost folk and the puffers have been enslaved by the Clunkers. That isn’t right!
Crinkle: Not everyone wants to be surrounded by buildings. Some of us can only be happy when we are living with nature.
Crinkle: Once the forest has gone it will be gone forever.
Grongrin: Yes, won’t that be wonderful! Paved streets instead of muddy tracks. Street lighting instead of darkness. Modern buildings instead of tumbledown cottages. The sooner the forest goes, the better!
Grongrin: Good evening Madam. I am Grongrin Gruneberg and these are my colleagues: Steela Mershi, Jala Piliro and Hasna Kluwe.
Crinkle: I am Lady Hobbs-Grantley. I am visiting the area with a view to purchasing a property. It will, of course, be of substantial proportions with an extensive area of land.
Jala: I am confident, your ladyship, that you will find many large houses and mansions worthy of inspection in these parts.
Crinkle: I am sure you are correct in your supposition. However, I have some grave concerns about moving to this area at all.
Steela: Concerns, your ladyship? May we be so bold as to enquire about the nature of these concerns?
Crinkle: Firstly, it is essential that my home has extensive views of unspoiled countryside.
Jala: And... er... how is that a problem?
Crinkle: Having seen the industrial development which is taking place, I am worried that any property which I purchase may suddenly become surrounded by factories.
Hasna: Ah yes. You are, of course, referring to the Greenwood. Well, we can’t stop progress. The mines and factories provide much-needed jobs for local people.
Crinkle: Really. That is not what I have heard. I was under the impression that local people have been forced to leave the area.
Hasna: No, no. I’m sure you are misinformed. One or two people may have a grudge against Hawk Enterprises but, by and large, we are all most pleased with the benefits which Hawk have brought.
Crinkle: I am quite sure that this town has benefited from payments made by Hawk.
Grongrin: Your ladyship! I trust you are not suggesting that we councillors have taken bribes!
Steela: Ahem! Councillor Gruneberg! I think Lady Hobbs-Grantley was referring to the taxes which Hawk pay.
Grongrin: Oh. Of course. Yes, well, Hawk do pay taxes. Yes. Um. Of course.
Crinkle: I am also concerned about pollution. I have seen filthy rivers, poisoned vegetation and clouds of disgusting smoke.
Jala: I will admit that there have been a few minor problems in the past but strict measures are being undertaken to ensure that no more accidents take place.
Crinkle: Oh. There have been accidents, have there?
Steela: Very small ones, your ladyship. In fact, so small, that I’m surprised Councillor Mershi even bothered to mention them.
Crinkle: Finally, can you tell me how much of the Greenwood is likely to disappear?
Grongrin: The forest is very extensive. It will be many years before it all goes.
Crinkle: I take it that you expect the whole of the Greenwood to be destroyed, then.
Steela: Not ‘destroyed’, Lady Hobbs-Grantley. We prefer to use the word ‘developed’.
Crinkle: Thank you for all your assistance. You have told me everything I need to know.
Steela: We have some lovely houses in Forest View, your ladyship! She's gone. She’d be a lot safer living here than near the Greenwood.
