It's good news that Brighton and Hove City Council has voted through a Green proposal to include more key Downland areas within the boundaries of the proposed South Downs National Park (The Argus, September 29).

Urban fringe areas such as Whitehawk Hill, Sheepcote Valley, Toad's Hole Valley and Ladies Mile Nature Reserve may now be given more protection.

The council's new preference for a boundary closer to urban areas should also make the National Park more accessible to people without cars or access to public transport while helping to preserve the fringe from development.

It's a shame all the city's Labour councillors refused to support this policy and abstained.

If they did not feel they could support this democratic and green measure, perhaps they could explain why they did not have the courage to vote fully against it?

-Coun Georgia Wrighton (Green) Hanover and Elm Grove Ward, Brighton and Hove City Council