CPRE calls for support at pivotal moment of campaign

Countryside campaigners from CPRE's East Hampshire & Havant District Group are calling for as many Western Weald residents as possible to attend a pre-Inquiry meeting at Hove Town Hall on Tuesday 11th December. A demonstration is being held at 1.00pm and the meeting begins at 2.00pm. The public meeting to be chaired by the Inspector will decide the subjects to be considered at the forthcoming re-opened Public Inquiry into the South Downs National Park boundary.

CPRE's local chairman, John Venning, said:

"This is a pivotal moment in the campaign. The number of people who go will show the Inspector the strength of public support for the originally designated boundary of a South Downs National Park - that includes the Western Weald, i.e. from Petersfield and Liss across to the Hartings, Midhurst and Petworth.

"We believe it is of paramount importance that the Inspector agrees to a public examination of the evidence that he used for his report about the quality of the landscape. If, as he claims, parts of the Western Weald area have indeed deteriorated to the extent that they should not be in the national park, then it's unlikely that they could remain in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, either. West Sussex County Council, bizarrely, has urged Defra not to hear this evidence, so putting the AONB's status at risk. We can refute the Inspector's claims but only if he ignores WSCC and gives us the chance."

With the help of the Petersfield Society, CPRE is offering a bus service to the Inquiry. The bus hotline number is 01962 843655. Protestors can let Becky French know if they are coming and if they want a seat on the bus.

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CPRE/H/117

Notes to editors

CPRE Hampshire strives to promote the beauty, tranquility and diversity of the countryside of Hampshire by the sustainable use of land and other resources in town and country, and encouraging the biodiversity and well-being of rural communities.

For information on CPRE, please contact:
Becky French or Pam Mason, CPRE Hampshire
Tel: 01962 843655
Email:admin@cprehampshire.org.uk

For all media enquiries, please contact:
Keren Burney, media & communications officer, CPRE Hampshire
Tel: 01730 894123   Mobile: 07876 780065
Email: kburney000@aol.com

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