THE Countryside Agency has eased some of East Hampshire District councillorsÕ fears over local democratic representation on the proposed National Park Authority.
Councillors were concerned that the Countryside Agency BoardÕs preference for a smaller National Park Authority might lead to a reduction in the proportion of locally elected representatives in comparison to the number of government appointed representatives.
However, Marion Spain, who is leading the Countryside AgencyÕs work on the national park, has clarified the Countryside Agency BoardÕs position.
ÒThe Countryside Agency believes that the National Park Authority should be constituted according to the proportions and types of members set out in legislation. However, this would result in a very large National Park Authority which may not be efficient. Local authorities should look to ways to reduce numbers (eg by sharing seats). Any reduction in local authority seats would lead to a proportional reduction on other seats, so the proportions of 50 per cent local authority, 25 per cent parish council and 25 per cent independent members would remain,Ó she said.
The leader of East Hampshire District Council, Elizabeth Cartwright, said the statement was Òvery welcomeÓ.