Should the South Downs have a National Park?

For over 60 years, there has been a proposal to make part of the South Downs a National Park, similar to Dartmoor or the Lake District. As the plans come together, there is an argument over which areas should be included, with a more recent decision to reduce the size of the proposed park being challenged by pressure groups in favour of a larger park. Read more about it here:

http://www.southdownscampaign.org.uk/main.htm

Some campaigners argue that the proposed park leaves out important and fragile areas, which should be included and say that their views are being ignored:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7240755.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7298650.stm

The creation of a South Downs National Park was finally confirmed on 31st March 2009:

http://www.defra.gov.uk/rural/national-parks/south-downs/index.htm