A LIVELY meeting is expected in Dumfries this afternoon as councillors try to agree the local authority’s official response to the Galloway National Park consultation.
Some elected members have this week been declaring their positions – on both sides of the argument.
The Democratic Alliance Group say, if required, they will oppose the current proposal.
They believe the majority of constituents currently oppose a national park and they want to continue to lobby the Scottish Government for a referendum to determine the level of support or opposition.
And group member Councillor Dougie Campbell will propose an exception motion during the meeting to defer any expression of level of support for the national park from being considered by members as he believes there are outstanding issues that require action from the Scottish Government.
These include the appearance of bias and a “confusingly abstract proposal that lacks clarity on area covered, scope and structure and, impact”.
Mr Campbell said: “Having listened carefully to my constituents on all sides, I am opposing the current proposal as it stands. I think, however, that it is reasonable to call on the Scottish Government to rethink this proposal, independently review the existing parks to establish strengths and weaknesses, and await the enactment of the Natural Environment Act, so that people living in Galloway can have a democratic vote on a national park that is well defined and there is evidence based clarity on potential benefits in terms of climate change and natural environment benefits.”
However, other elected members are in favour.
Cllrs David Inglis, Richard Marsh, Chrissie Hill and Andrew Giusti have made a joint declaration that they want to see a park created that will be “led by locals, putting local people first, protecting planning and investing in the economy”.
Councillor Inglis said: “This area has too often been referred to as ‘the forgotten corner of Scotland’. Creating a National Park could end that forever.
“We all represent areas that would be within the National Park and firmly believe that it will create huge economic, social, and environmental benefits for our constituents.
“A National Park in Galloway would be a powerful engine for sustainable economic growth.”
The quartet argue there is enthusiasm locally for the plan, which they say “will bring worldwide recognition for the area’s outstanding beauty, distinctive character, cultural, ecological, biological significance and scenic significance and value”, as well as create jobs and support business.
