News Date: Monday 23rd November 2009
Loughton welcomes review of Cissbury land sale
East Worthing MP Tim Loughton has written to the Leader of Worthing Council welcoming the decision to review the plans first passed in 2008 to sell land around Cissbury Ring which falls in his East Worthing & Shoreham constituency and is owned by Worthing Borough Council. He issued the following statement:
‘This area of the Downs is one of the most beautiful within my constituency and holds a special place for many people from Worthing and beyond. Not surprisingly the proposals by Worthing Council to dispose of part of its holding has excited many concerns from constituents and it is right that Councillor Steve Waight has responded positively by reviewing the decision originally taken over a year ago and not challenged at the time. This area is particularly sensitive given battles which have been fought in recent years to prevent inappropriate development at the foot of the Downs, most noticeably the ‘Battle of Beeches Avenue’ where residents, local councillors united in opposition and were ultimately victorious. Any change of ownership must include solid guarantees that this part of the Downs can remain unspoilt and preferably enjoyed by as many local people as possible. I am confident that Worthing Borough Council can now find a way of achieving this and still retain control over the land so that it will remain an asset for Worthing people for generations to come.
‘I am confident that Worthing Council has taken this on board and is now looking very positively at innovative new ways to manage the town’s assets on behalf of local residents. In the meantime I know that Councillor Steve Waight is keen to hear the views of Worthing residents as to why this area of the Downs is important and I would urge constituents to make representations to him about future management which would preferably enhance the usage and access. I am delighted that he has responded positively to this suggestion and is keen that local people have every opportunity to make their views known and work together with Worthing Council to preserve this important part of our local environment.’
