Simon Burgess

Hilary Benn MP, Secretary of State for the Environment, has signed the new South Downs National Park into law in Ditchling. Hilary Benn had put Ditchling into the park after the planning inspector had left it out.

Simon Burgess, Labour & Co-op Candidate for Brighton Kemptown, said:
"I am delighted that this has finally been achieved, it has been a long process but the park is all the better for it as it now includes the Western Weald and Ditchling which weren't in the original proposals. It is 60 years this year since Labour created the first national parks, the creation of one for the South Downs puts the final piece in the jigsaw of what was originally proposed. This will be a lasting legacy for future generations who will be able to access and appreciate the extraordinary beauty we have on our doorstep. I hope Tory West Sussex will now move on from their defence of the minority landed interests and instead embrace what the great majority have been calling for. I look forward to better land management and improved walking and cycling routes so that everyone, regardless of wealth, can enjoy their surroundings."

The Greens have welcomed news that the new South Downs National Park has been formally created, but have called on DEFRA to ensure the authority managing the new park includes members drawn from the large urban areas included in its boundaries, and also some directly elected members.
 
Green Group spokesperson on the South Downs Cllr Pete West said:
“I’m delighted long talked of plans for a new national park have finally become reality, and am especially pleased they’ve seen fit to include spaces such as Green Ridge in the boundary.
 
“Green Cllrs have long supported the South Downs campaign, and believe Brighton and Hove is ideally placed to become the ‘capital’ of the new park. Our city could become the gateway to the Downs, with enormous economic and social benefits to be had as a result – not to mention obvious recreational and health benefits for residents.

“It’s crucial that membership of the new body in charge of the park reflects the diverse areas included within its boundaries – with towns, cities and rural areas covered, we need to make sure all are represented on the executive body.
 
“Greens believe some of these members must be directly elected – with more than 120 00 people living inside the park, its vital local residents have some say over how its run.”
 
For more information view:
www.southdownsonline.org/