Outcry facing plans to dilute Dales identity

THE Government was warned yesterday that it faces a wave of opposition if proposals to extend the Yorkshire Dales National Park's boundaries are pursued.

A public consultation by Natural England comes to an end today on plans to include part of Lancashire and more of Cumbria into the national park.

One of the fiercest critics, Coun John Blackie, fears that the Yorkshire Dales' iconic name could be lost forever.

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Coun Blackie, a member of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said: "If the boundary extension is pursued, it will dilute a tourism brand that is known across the world."

Local influence will be undermined as members representing Yorkshire Dales communities could be replaced by councillors from Lancashire and Cumbria.