Council backs bid to make town part of national park

In July the Government recommended Lewes should not be part of the proposed National Park, despite previously including the town in earlier blueprints.

The Friends of Lewes civic society is set to lobby DEFRA for Lewes to be included and the town council has agreed to throw its weight behind the group's representations.

Councillors discussed the issue at a meeting of the town council.

Cllr Ruth O'Keefe said: 'In previous debates the council has said it supports Lewes being part of the National Park.

'My opinion is that if you look at the plans it seems like a tooth has been taken out, and that tooth is Lewes.

'To say we are not embedded in the South Downs (one of the reasons cited by the Government) is extraordinary.'

Cllr Susan Murray said: 'The Green Party view is Lewes should be included within the National Park.

'I second what Cllr O'Keefe has said and we should join with the Friends of Lewes to campaign for Lewes to be part of it.'