Cissbury Ring sale u-turn welcomed by MP

The council cabinet agreed on Thursday, December 2, to withdraw the land from sale, following weeks of protest.

Mr Loughton said: "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 welcome the interest shown by the National Trust, which already stewards Cissbury Ring, and could incorporate some of the land into their existing 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's local jewels."

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