Worthing protesters campaign against downland sell off plans (From The Argus)

Worthing protesters campaign against downland sell off plans

1:52pm Sunday 8th November 2009 in

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Countryside campaigners are planning a demonstration in a bid to stop downland being sold off.

They are protesting at plans by Worthing Borough Council to offload almost 190 acres near Iron Age hill fort Cissbury Ring.

The council said it did not have the expertise to manage the farmland and was bound by Government rules to get the best deal for taxpayers.

But many protesters believe the land, forming Mount Carvey and Tenants Hill, should be gifted to the National Trust, which already owns the ring.

Now a “Stop the Cissbury Sell Off” demonstration has been called for Saturday at 11am.

Campaigners plan to gather at Coombe Rise car park, Findon Valley, Worthing, and walk 4.5 miles over the land.

Organiser Trevor Hodgson said people had strong feelings about the issue.

Coun Paul Yallop, leader of the council, said the land was valued for agricultural use at about £750,000.