Southampton Itchen Labour MP John Denham has welcomed last month’s Government announcement of a new South Downs National Park.

Speaking to a meeting of Labour Party members, John Denham said “Southampton is already close to the existing New Forest National Park and the new South Downs National Park will come as close as Colden Common , Twyford and Bishops Waltham. Few cities in Britain are as close to two national parks as Southampton will be. This is more evidence of Labour’s commitment to the South and has been achieved despite Conservative opposition.

“Sixty years ago we came together as a country to create national parks in our wonderful countryside, protecting them forever for the enjoyment of everyone.

“South Downs National Park, England’s ninth, is the last of the parks proposed by the Hobhouse Committee in 1947 and will take in the unique chalk hills that run across Southern England from Beachy Head to Winchester.

“It will help ensure that the finest parts of our landscape are conserved and that everyone has the chance to enjoy the outdoors – to fill their lungs and clear their heads, to keep fit and to reconnect with nature. And it will help the economic and social well-being of local communities, not least by creating additional jobs.”

The Conservatives are not in favour of the new park. Following the announcement, Nick Herbert, Shadow Secretary of State for the Environment described the creation of the South Downs National Park as “the wrong decision”.

However The Campaign for the Protection of Rural England said: “This is fantastic news. This timely announcement comes on the 60th anniversary of the 1949 Act which established the concept of National Parks in England and Wales and 79 years after we first started to campaign for National Parks.”

The Youth Hostel Association said “The creation of the national park will provide permanent protection and funding for the Downs as well as better management of recreation, giving greater opportunities for all to enjoy its special character.”