Yorkshire's National Parks should be managed by people who live in them.
That's the call from one local councillor who says a number of National Park board level appointments have been made to people who live miles away from the parks.
Danby & Mulgrave Councillor, David Chance, says it's a worrying development.
Scarborough and Whitby MP - Sir Robert Goodwill - has backed the call for people appointed to the boards of Yorkshire's National Parks to be local residents.
Some recent Government appointments have seen people with no connection to national parks appointed to the oversight positions.
Sir Robert thinks that's a bad move.
National Park Authority board members have a primary responsibility to ensure that the Authority furthers the statutory purposes of the Park – specifically, to preserve and enhance its natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage, as well as to provide opportunities for the public to understand and enjoy their unique attributes.
The Members of the Authority are not directly elected but are appointed by the local councils and the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
Eight members have recently been appointed for four-year terms (ending June 2027), two members were appointed by the Environment Secretary in August to the North York Moors National park board, they live in York and Kirkbymoorside.
The Government says that
"all National Park appointments are made in accordance with the Ministerial Governance Code on Public Appointments. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process."
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