Campaigners giving evidence to the re-opened South Downs National Park public inquiry have given their closing statement.

The South Downs Campaign (SDC) wants the Government to give the South Downs national park status.

It hopes the Western Weald, Ditchling, Lewes and other areas which the inquiry inspector has proposed should be left out of the national park will all be included.

Robin Crane, chairman of the South Downs Campaign, said: "I would like to thank everyone who has helped us draw our case together, particularly those who have given their time so freely and willingly.

"Overall it is a very impressive body of evidence which the inspector will have to take note of. The professionalism of our team has been superb.

"We have also had tremendous public support not just for the Western Weald but also for including Ditchling, Lewes and all the additional areas proposed by the inspector. This has helped the inspector realise just how popular the National Park is and that what most people want is for the widest possible boundary.

"Now we will just have to wait and see what he decides to recommend to the Government. The future of the South Downs should be known by January 2009, sixty years after the legislation was first passed allowing the creation of National Parks in England and Wales.

"What could be a more fitting tribute than creating a South Downs National Park for the 21st century that includes the Western Weald, Ditchling and Lewes?"