Still time to answer National Park governance questionnaire

Jan. 13, 2011 - PRLog -- The 12-week national consultation closes on Tuesday 1 February and has been organised locally by the New Forest National Park Authority on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

The review looks for ways in which the governance of National Park Authorities can be made more effective and how National Park Authorities can be more responsive to the concerns of local communities.

At the end of the consultation the New Forest National Park Authority will produce a summary of all responses received relating specifically to the New Forest for the Authority meeting on 10 February. The Authority will also consider its own response to the consultation at this meeting.

Julian Johnson, Chairman of the New Forest National Park Authority, said: ‘This is people’s last chance to comment. This consultation is extremely important; it affects everyone who lives in a National Park.

‘We want to encourage people with an interest in the New Forest to respond to Defra’s consultation. By responding, it ensures Defra is aware of your views in considering whether any changes should be made to the governance of our National Parks – a decision we expect them to announce by the end of March 2011’

During November and December the New Forest National Park Authority held four public meetings across the New Forest. Approximately 200 people attended to learn more about the consultation from Authority Members and Officers

For more information on the governance review, including the Defra consultation document, please visit www.newforestnpa.gov.uk  or www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/nationalpark-governance/index.htm
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Notes to Editors:
The New Forest National Park Authority currently has 22 members, consisting of 12 members appointed by the local authorities with land in the National Park (Hampshire County Council, Wiltshire Council, New Forest District Council and Test Valley Borough Council); four members appointed by the Town and Parish Councils within the National Park; and six appointed by the Government through an open recruitment process.

Authority members, no matter how they are appointed, have a primary responsibility to seek to ensure that the Authority furthers the two statutory Park purposes. Further details of the Authority’s current membership can be viewed at: http://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/aboutus/our_people/members...

Media Contact:
Karen Evans, Communications Officer, New Forest National Park Authority
Tel: 01590 646650
Email: karen.evans@newforestnpa.gov.uk

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The New Forest National Park lies mainly in south-west Hampshire; it is famous for its stunning landscapes,wildlife,coastline & picturesque villages. It is the eighth national park in England and the first in the south-east to be created for nearly 50yrs.