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Miscommunication from SDNPA

SDNPA miscommunication
“There are several important points that we would like to highlight:

  • Information about the closure cannot be found on the SDNPA website, even through a search;
  • We have seen no evidence that the SDNPA want to engage with local businesses on a practical or proactive level, to promote them or work with them – this is a good example;
  • Surely the the SDNPA should consider this their responsibility to inform those affected – local residents, visitors, businesses?
  • The period of notice (6th March) was in any case far too short;
  • The period of closure spans the Easter weekend (could be fairly busy on the Downs at this time). What do walkers do when they come across a barrier on the South Downs Way with no alternative signposted? Where would they have found out about this closure?”

Click the diversion signs above to see the SDNPA response and other commentary.

GJMG

A273 Northbound at Pyecombe – Notice of Night Closure

Road_Closed_SignWEST SUSSEX COUNTY COUNCIL
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC REGULATION

A273 NORTHBOUND, PYECOMBE

NOTICE IS hereby given that in pursuance of the provisions of Section 14(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act, 1984, as amended, the use of

A273 Northbound, Pyecombe, at the approach to the junction with D157 London Road, is temporarily prohibited from 20.00hrs to 06.00hrs on the 25th, 26th and 27th March 2013, with the last closure ending at 06.00hrs on 28th March 2013.

This closure is necessary to allow for essential carriageway maintenance.

It is anticipated the works will be completed in 3 nights.

Emergency Vehicle access will be maintained at all times.

Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

Residential vehicular access will be maintained at all times.

The alternative route for traffic will be via the A23, A2300, A273 and vice versa.

This notice will be effective for a maximum of 5 days from the date given above.

Any queries about the effect of the closure on traffic using the highway please contact West Sussex County Council on 01243 642105.

Dated 11th March 2013

Geoff Lowry
Director for Communities & Infrastructure

“A Thriving Living Landscape”

A Thriving Living Landscape
The South Downs National Park Authority has issued a draft policy document [PDF], entitled A Thriving Living Landscape. and invited comments. Some extracts follow:

  • The National Park offers important opportunities for renewable energy generation including woodfuels, solar, wind and anaerobic digestion ..
  • Climate change or lack of appropriate management could be a threat to much of our heritage.
  • Allow the landscape to continue to evolve and become more resilient to climate change.
  • Contribute to the delivery of government climate change strategy targets through renewable energy schemes ..
  • There are five oil and gas wells within the Park some already in production others at the exploration and appraisal stage.
  • The South Downs National Park carbon footprint relating to transport is a significant proportion of the overall total .. promoting alternatives to the car also supports opportunities to make tourism more sustainable and increase spend per person (surveys show this is a fact) ..
  • Promote travel behaviour-change across the National Park ..
  • Increasing the proportion of visitors staying in the Downs .. develop .. a wide range of high quality accommodation provision ..
  • Most problems with visitor behaviour are local visits from surrounding areas ..
  • Volunteers are not widely representative of the local demographic.
  • Increase opportunities for young adults, people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, people with disabilities and people from areas of deprivation to visit the National Park.
  • Support land managers to access incentive schemes and work with partners to effectively target agri-environment grants and influence the development of future payment schemes.
  • With the removal of the Regional Development Agencies (RDA’s) and setting up of Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) the economic framework of the region has changed significantly. There are three LEPs that cover the SDNP. LEPs currently administer the Growing Places Funds which are revolving funds aimed at unblocking development proposals. Currently no Rural Growth Funds are available within the South East LEPs. It is likely that the LEPs may have an enhanced role in distribution of EU structural funds. Future investments will need to fit with the LEPs Strategies for Growth. There is a need to ensure that these have a rural element and that they fit with SDNP objectives.

GJMG