The economy of rural Sussex will benefit from the creation of a South Downs National Park, a report has claimed.
Prosperity and Protection, commissioned by the Council for National Parks, revealed that thousands of jobs had been supported, and millions of pounds were brought into the economy because of the national parks in other areas of the country.
The South Downs is expected to be granted National Park status next year, although legal issues are yet to be resolved. The South Downs Society and the South Downs Campaign have welcomed the report.
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Jon Martin, of the South Downs Society, said: "This report shows that national park status for the South Downs cannot come fast enough.
It will strengthen the local economy in the Downs, and it will also be good for the landscape, wildlife and public enjoyment of the area."
Robin Crane, chairman of the South Downs Campaign, said: "I very much welcome this report which shows why the South East Plan, currently being scrutinised in public, needs to change."
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