Countryside in crisis

West Sussex countryside is in crisis, with jobs disappearing , farms lost and businesses closing-and the county has just 45 dairy herds remaining.

The facts were put to West Sussex County Council's full meeting by cabinet member Louise Goldsmith, who said revitalising rural areas should be as important as urban regeneration.

She put forward a motion promoting local sustainability and rural regeneration, which got the full backing of the council.

For full story see West Sussex Gazette April 13