AFTER years of waiting in the wings, a ‘Potter Trail’, linking places that were prominent in the life of playwright Dennis Potter is now getting under way.

It will wend around Christchurch and Berry Hill and will be linked to the proposed Forest Theatre at the Five Acres college campus and marketed as a tourist attraction.

The trail is the work of West Dean Parish Council, based on an idea by Forest of Dean historian John Belcher.

Councillor Tim Gwilliam chairman of the parish council said: “Local artist Tom Cousins has been commissioned to paint a mural of ‘The Singing Detective’ on the side of Potter’s local the Globe at Berry Hill.

“He has the scaffolding up already and we’re hoping it will be finished in time for the Christmas lights switch on on December 8.

“The trail will also include places like the house where he was born and the house across the road where his family moved when they needed more room.

“Then there’s the band hut where he played and which features in his ‘The Land Between Two Rivers’ documentary, and of course the rugby club and his school.”

Mr Belcher said: ”There are so many places associated with Potter and for anyone interested in his work and life it will be fascinating journey.

“I laid down the original trail for a Dennis Potter Festival to mark the 10th anniversary of his death and it includes many of the places that feature in his plays.”