Council wants National Park exclusion reversed

Lewes District Council is supporting the South Downs Campaign in its bid to reverse the decision to have Lewes excluded from the park.

Council leader Ann De Vecchi said: 'It is our view that it was the wrong decision to remove Lewes from the National Park.

'We are of the view that the inclusion of Lewes is vital to the success of the park through the cultural and architectural character of town.

'We are, therefore, supporting the South Downs Committee's request that there is an urgent rethink and that Lewes should be reinstated to the National Park.'

Lead member for planning, Cllr Peter Gardiner added: 'Both the district and town councils in Lewes have always supported the town's inclusion in the Park.

'It is our belief at the district council that Lewes is uniquely able to provide visitor facilities and a transport gateway to the Downs, by road, public transport and rights of way that would be of huge benefit to the proposed National Park. We hope that the decision be reconsidered.'