The Government has been urged to speed-up its decision on whether to afford protected status to a countryside region.

MPs and Brighton and Hove City Councillors have called on the Labour Party Conference to support making the South Downs a National Park.

It would mean more resources to look after the region, changes in the way planning decisions are made and probably increased visitor numbers.

Labour MPs David Lepper, for Brighton Pavilion, and Des Turner, for Brighton Kemptown, are backing the National Park campaign at this week's party conference. Flyers will be given out to delegates.

It is more than 50 years since the South Downs was one of 12 areas recommended to become a National Park. The other 11 areas have since been awarded the status.

The South Downs National Park Inquiry inspector is due to report by Christmas and the decision is expected to be announced next year.

Mr Lepper said: "There is very strong support for the National Park in my constituency as well as some concern over the boundaries and I will be pressing these points home during the Labour Party conference in Brighton.

"I hope that the Government will make a speedy decision soon after the inspector's report is received and that the National Park boundary is widened to include some important parcels of land that the Countryside Agency inexplicably left out."

Dr Turner said: "We have already waited more than 50 years for this decision and I am keen that we don't have to wait another year."

Tuesday, September 27, 2005