LISS Parish Council is prepared to employ a consultant to help it present its case for inclusion within the new South Downs National Park boundary.

Chairman Elizabeth Cartwright said she believed the Countryside Agency's reasons for excluding Liss from the area of search were flawed.

The CA had looked at the landscape quality and recreation opportunity of each area and graded it high, medium or low.

The Rother Valley corridor, which includes Liss, had been graded high for landscape quality but its recreational opportunity was graded low. This was based on the CA's assessment that "the A3 and its associated development has reduced quality of experience and acts as a barrier for recreational opportunities".

Councillors felt that this was untrue as there were many recreational activities which crossed the A3 with no difficulty.

Parish councillors heard a short statement from Nick Lobely, representing three of the village groups, Liss Forest Residents' Association, Liss Conservation Volunteers and the Village Design Group, which had formally objected to the village's exclusion from the area of search.

Mr Lobely said all three groups would be continuing their active opposition to the village's exclusion and had combined to form a pressure group called Villagers and Countryside (VAC).

They wanted a village meeting called as soon as possible so that residents could be informed of the position.

VAC hoped the meeting would be led by the parish council but would be prepared to lead it if thought necessary.

Councillors agreed to contact the CA to ask to meet it. They felt they needed guidance on the technical brief a consultant they might appoint would require. VAC would be invited to this.

Councillors agreed that the Liss case was unique as a "hidden village" in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which looked as if it might be left in a very vulnerable position.

It was felt that the Liss case should be prepared with great care and directly related to its position within the Rother Valley.

r There will be strong representation from Liss at the Festival Hall in Petersfield on Tuesday when the Countryside Agency outlines plans to form a South Downs National Park.

The Countryside Agency has invited parish councils across East Hampshire as well as interested organisations to hear how the process will be carried out and the timetable.

The meeting takes place on Tuesday from 6.30 pm to 9 pm. Included on the agenda is an overview of national parks by Jack Ellerby from Exmoor, the South Downs boundary-setting process by David Thompson of the Countryside Agency and a presentation of the role of the East Hampshire Area of Natural Beauty.