Conservatives come out in opposition to sale of downland farms

This comes after calls for a full consultation and referendum by Conservative councillors was rejected at a meeting of the full council last week.

Cllr Tony Freebody (Leader of the Conservative group) said, “The Lib Dem administration have failed to listen to the people of Eastbourne.

“Instead they have put out a ‘one-sided’ Review newspaper that has not yet been delivered to every household within our town.

“Our group first raised concerns about the protection of the downland and the protection for farmers when the council first proposed the sale, but these concerns have continued to fall on deaf ears despite the very vocal calls from campaign groups.

“They have not allowed campaigners to have their say in a fair manner – refusing our calls for 50/50 coverage in the Review alongside opponents to the sale, and they have ignored our calls for a consultation and referendum.

“Because of this our group opposes the sale and calls for the council to think again.”

The group is urging council leader Cllr David Tutt to stop the proposed sale.

To view the latest Eastbourne Review, which includes a poll on whether the council should sell the land or cut front line services, go to www.eastbourne.gov.uk/news/eastbourne-review

Residents of Eastbourne have until tomorrow (Friday, March 3) to send their opinion to the council.