'Include town in national park'

A PACKED meeting at All Saints, Lewes, on Monday backed the setting up of a South Downs National Park and called for the inclusion of Lewes and surrounding villages within the boundary.

More than 150 people attended the meeting, organised by the South Downs Campaign and chaired by Tim Renton, chairman of the Sussex Downs Conservation Board.

The tone of the meeting contrasted with a decision on Friday by the Conservation Board to oppose the inclusion of Lewes in the National Park.

On Monday board member Paul Millmore described the many benefits he perceived in Lewes being included in the park.

Jack Ellerby, planning officer for Exmoor National Park spoke on the way national parks operate and the benefits they can bring.

John Kenward from Lewes Friends of the Earth, said later: 'The overwhelming mood was that the National Park is seen as an opportunity.

'Integration of transport, with Lewes as the hub for sustainable access to the Downs, a closer relationship between the rural hinterland and its farming with the town, and improvements in building conservation were all registered as huge benefits.

'It is not just visitors who will benefit, since improvements such as seven day timetables will benefit local people and businesses.

People were shocked to hear that the Conservation Board had voted against Lewes being included.

Paul Millmore said people needed to respond to public consultation and lobby for support of the park.

John Kenward said there were signs that some local authorities were recognising the massive public support the National Park commanded and the benefits it would bring to the area.

Conservation Board under attack: Page 11.