Historic day for Downs

6th November 2003

The Council for National Parks (CNP) (1) welcomes the public inquiry into the designation of the South Downs National Park, which opens on Monday 10th November in West Sussex (2).

CNP campaigner Donna O'Brien said: "National Parks are an important resource for all of society.  Making sure that we get the right National Park is crucial to its future success.  We therefore welcome the inquiry's examination of the important issues of where the boundary should be drawn and how a National Park Authority will be set up".

"This is also good news for members of the public as the inquiry enables all those who care about the Downs to have their say, including local residents, farmers and landowners as well as regional and national organisations".

Donna O'Brien concluded: "The start of the public inquiry marks 60 years of campaigning by CNP for a South Downs National Park and hard work by hundreds of others (3) over the years to reach this important milestone.  This is a historic day and a major step forward in the fight for the Downs to receive the strong protection, sound management and increased funding that National Park status will bring".

Notes to Editors

1.              The Council for National Parks is the national charity that works to protect and enhance the National Parks of England and Wales, and areas that merit National Park status, and promote understanding and quiet enjoyment of them for the benefit of all.

2.              The South Downs National Park public inquiry opens at 2pm, Monday 10th November, 2003 at the Assembly Hall, Stoke Abbot Road, Worthing, West Sussex.  Following the opening day, the inquiry continues at the Chatsworth Hotel, Steyne, Worthing, West Sussex.

3.              CNP is a member of the South Downs Campaign, a network of approximately 80 organisations working for the best possible South Downs. 

For press queries please contact:
Ruth Chambers, Head of Policy on
020 7924 4077 ext. 222