The South Downs Campaign Group is launching a 'Final Push' campaign on September 9 at Lewes Town Hall. It has the full support of the town's mayor, Cllr Michael Chartier, who will host the launch event.

Lewes was dropped from the proposed national park in June 2007 following a public inquiry held from November 2003 to May 2005.

This, and other changes, led to a reopening of the public inquiry in February this year.

The inspector heard evidence until July and is expected to hand his report to the Government by the end of November.

Cllr Chartier said: 'Many people in Lewes were deeply disappointed that, after the first public inquiry into the designated South Downs National Park, the inspector recommended that Lewes, and the Ouse valley to the north of the town should be excluded.

'This was despite the former Countryside Agency recommending their inclusion.

'The South Downs Campaign, with support from both Lewes District Council and Lewes Town Council, made strong representations at the re-opened inquiry to try to persuade the inspector to change his earlier recommendation.

'Nevertheless, we cannot be sure that he will. We therefore need to lobby the Government minister who will make the final decision on this matter.'

In February, the South Downs Campaign Group told the public inquiry: 'Lewes has long been seen by expert opinion, such as the Council for British Archaeology and by Alec Clifton Taylor, as a precious "gem" whose conservation and enhancement should be a national responsibility.

'The town and river valley, coupled with its Downland setting, offer an "inclusive" recreational and educational experience of national park quality.'

The group has also campaigned for Ditchling to be included within the boundaries of the park after it, too, was dropped from the plans in June 2007.