Even the protective designation of the South Downs National Park would not substitute this. This chalk grassland is not just an invaluable public asset for the people of Eastbourne in terms of ecosystem services such as drinking water. Its landscapes, cultural heritage and natural capital are of great national and international importance.
In these times of austerity, it is understandable that the council was keen to explore every avenue to income generation. However, we ae glad that the importance of this land in terms of the visitor economy as a gateway to the South Downs National Park has been recognised.
“Eastbourne people have shown that we can see through the spin and unfair choice offered by the so-called ‘consultation’ in the Eastbourne Review.
Read more at: http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/news/eastbourne-votes-to-keep-downland-farms-1-7853110
Read more at: http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/news/eastbourne-votes-to-keep-downland-farms-1-7853110
Activists and Conservative councillors also argued the poll was one-sided and, with its choice between farms or public service cuts, was ‘blackmailing’ residents. Sally Boys, of Keep Our Downs Public, said, “Eastbourne people have shown that we can see through the spin and unfair choice offered by the so-called ‘consultation’ in the Eastbourne Review. “Above all, we have shown that the people of Eastbourne love and cherish their downs and will fight to protect them. The downland belongs to us all. “Its benefits are many and we have yet to scratch the surface of what positive, imaginative management can bring for the town, the council tax payer, wildlife, visitors and every Eastbourne resident.”
Read more at: http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/news/eastbourne-votes-to-keep-downland-farms-1-7853110
Read more at: http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/news/eastbourne-votes-to-keep-downland-farms-1-7853110
Activists and Conservative councillors also argued the poll was one-sided and, with its choice between farms or public service cuts, was ‘blackmailing’ residents. Sally Boys, of Keep Our Downs Public, said, “Eastbourne people have shown that we can see through the spin and unfair choice offered by the so-called ‘consultation’ in the Eastbourne Review. “Above all, we have shown that the people of Eastbourne love and cherish their downs and will fight to protect them. The downland belongs to us all. “Its benefits are many and we have yet to scratch the surface of what positive, imaginative management can bring for the town, the council tax payer, wildlife, visitors and every Eastbourne resident.”
Read more at: http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/news/eastbourne-votes-to-keep-downland-farms-1-7853110
Read more at: http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/news/eastbourne-votes-to-keep-downland-farms-1-7853110