A public inquiry into plans to designate the South Downs a national park will start on November 10.

The opening day's session will be at the Assembly Hall, Worthing, with subsequent hearings at the Chatsworth Hotel, in The Steyne.

Some sessions are expected to take place elsewhere in East Sussex, West Sussex and Hampshire.

A pre-inquiry meeting will take place at the Pavilion Theatre, Worthing, on July 7 at 2pm.

Thursday June 19, 2003