Greens call for National Park office

On Friday, 1st April 2011 the South Downs National Park Authority officially took over the running of the Park and the project that had ebbed & flowed for over 50 years became reality.

In their election manifesto the Brighton & Hove Green Party have recognised the importance of this event for residents and visitors alike by declaring their intention to:-

" Provide an office for the South Downs National Park in the city as a source of information and starting point for visits to the Park."

Many people think that the ideal location for this office would be Council-owned Patcham Place situated at Brighton's gateway to the Downs and on the main London to Brighton Road.

Although it might be uneconomic to use the main building, this project could provide the impetus to restore and convert to a sympathetic use the old stable buildings at the rear of the house, at present looking sadly neglected. 

Other related items in the Green's manifesto are:-

• Designate all council owned land as Open
Access Land.
• Develop a city centre Downland Interpretation
Centre.
• Promote health and economic benefits of tourism
in the South Downs National Park.

See also:- Brighton & Hove News: New authority takes control of South Downs National Park