The battle over whether there should be a South Downs national park has been won. The war over where the boundaries should be drawn is only just beginning.

It is right that there should be a debate over the boundaries, since those of the present area of outstanding natural beauty, covering most of the hills, have been in existence for more than 30 years.

In that time, great changes have taken place, such as the building of the Brighton bypass, which has reduced the landscape value of some areas, especially those south of the downland dual carriageway.

It is time to look at the edge of the Downs and to discuss any building or sites which have become essentially urban, such as the southern part of Patcham Court Farm in Brighton.

The boundaries should be clear divisions, unlike the present, fragmented edge of the area of outstanding natural beauty. There should be a commitment that no alien development should take place within it.

That being so, it is extremely odd that a board meeting of the Countryside Agency to discuss the boundaries should be held at Barnstaple in deepest Devon, hardly the easiest place for people in Sussex to reach by any form of transport.

It is also rather suspicious that David Neighbour, a great supporter of the national park, should have been kicked off the Sussex Downs Conservation Board by his own party, the Liberal Democrats.

With many local authorities in Sussex being opposed to the national park, it is important for conservation organisations dedicated to protecting the hills to be supported.

They will help ensure that the new national park, with secure boundaries and proper funding, is a rural asset everyone will want to preserve and enhance.