National recognition

It features in the Best Consultation category of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations' nationwide Excellence in Local Government Communications Awards.

The awards attracted more than 200 entries.

At the awards dinner in Belfast, the judges recognised the countryside park consultation for the way it inspired the community - including hard to reach groups - to help design their local 600 hectare open green space.

The consultation was run by TK Associates, with support from leisure industry experts Acorn, for East Sussex County Council, Hastings Borough Council and Rother District Council.

It took place over the six months up to last April.

More than 1,000 local people expressed their views through workshops, exhibitions and questionnaires, with 76 per cent in favour of the scheme.

They highlighted a strong preference for nature conservation and walking.

They asked for sports '“ particularly cycling, riding and water sports. School pupils and other young people also participated, generating some particularly exciting ideas.

Based on the consultation findings, the three-council project team is now creating park designs and a business plan, with a nature reserve at the heart of its proposals.

First place in the awards went to South Wales Police Authority for a consultation on how to spend its budget.

The Pebsham Countryside Park Project beat many projects to second place, including submissions from finalists Leeds City Council, Essex County Council and another from East Sussex.

This is the third award TK Associates has won this year. Director Tariq Khwaja said: "This is a wonderful national recognition of the enthusiastic spirit people in East Sussex showed in helping to shape their local environment.

"The consultation was a fascinating exercise to run and this obviously came through loud and clear to the panel of judges."

The Pebsham Countryside Park Project seeks to develop a high quality, sustainable park in the 600 hectare green space between Hastings, Bexhill and Crowhurst.