This is a great result for the town. Keep Our Downs Public hopes that this result in Eastbourne reverberates across the country and other local authorities realise that people need and want their open spaces and wildlife havens.—Andrew Durling, Keep Our Downs Public Campaign, 6 March 2017
Sally Boys, Keep Our Downs Public representative and Eastbourne resident 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.
“Keep Our Downs Public is committed to working with Eastbourne Borough Council to ensure the downland is managed in a way that recognises its full value and obtains maximum benefits for the people of Eastbourne”.
Catherine Tonge (Eastbourne resident & ex Natural England) said, “We envisage a steering group of local community interests and experts to advise on ways of protecting the fragile habitat, soils and water supply while ensuring quality access”.
“It will also seek to fully utilise the immense benefits of the South Downs National Park which continues to go untapped by both the Council and Chamber of Commerce”.
Phil Belden (Sussex Wildlife Trust & ex-South Downs National Park Authority) said “The opportunities for Eastbourne’s downland are exciting, with full appreciation of the true value of the downs one can exploit funding opportunities to enhance the area, fully utilise the iconic South Downs brand to market local produce, like the lamb that sustains our green pastures, and promote sustainable tourism. Issues such as sheep-worrying and litter can also be fully addressed”
“The Council’s recent Joint Venture on Energy & Sustainability initiative is welcomed as a move towards more innovative thinking. The publicly-owned downland should be part of this brighter vision”.
