Conservationists are offering an olive branch in the row over the management of a controversial historic site.
A dispute started when Telscombe Tye, 84 hectares of chalk grassland managed by the South Downs Joint Committee (SDJC), had cattle grids and electric fences introduced and chalk dumped on the site to prevent entry by travellers and motorcyclists.
East Sussex County Council has ruled that the chalk bunds were illegal and should have had planning permission. It has ordered the removal of the thousands of tonnes of chalk and the electric fence. The SDJC could be left with a bill running into thousands of pounds and the issue has divided the community of Telscombe. The Friends of Telscombe Tye want to call a meeting of East Sussex County Council, the town council, Lewes District Council and the SDJC, in an attempt to resolve things.
John Carden, the chair of the Friends, said: "I would like to chair a meeting and get all the groups together without any shouting or screaming. If East Sussex County Council insists on the chalk being removed it's a major, major problem. We need to sit down - all of us together - and talk."
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