News Date: Tuesday 8th December 2009
Loughton welcomes safeguards for Cissbury
East Worthing MP Tim Loughton has welcomed the news that Worthing Council land around Cissbury is to remain in Council hands. He commented
"This is a good decision by Worthing Council and should allay fears about what might happen to this beautiful corner of my constituency where the rumour mill seems to have been running on overdrive. There was never any intention to allow any development on this land which would have been virtually impossible even if that had been the Council’s aim. I have viisted the site and spoken to local farmers and clearly there is strong interest in continuing and indeed enhancing its use for agricultural purposes. I welcome the interest shown by the National Trust who already are steawrds of Cissbury Ring and could incorporate some of the land into their exisiting grazing pasture for livestock on the Ring. I think there is now a strong chance that not only will the Downland be safeguarded under the control of Worthing Council but on short term leases we can look forward to the land being maintained by responsible local farmers and other conservation bodies for its obvious agricultural benefit with public access being improved. This would then be a win win situation all round and enhance the enjoyment of one of Worthing local jewels."
