Bim Afolami MP has called for greater protections for the countryside around Hitchin.

The call from our town's Parliamentarian comes as part of a new campaign to extend the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Chilterns AONB is near to the Hitchin Priory and Hitchwood, Offa and Hoo wards which contain countryside and wildlife.

Extending the area of would provide vital protections to both the flora and fauna and from development to a whole swathe of countryside towards the south of Hitchin.

It would also pave the way for this area, which already covers part of North Herts, towards the south of Hitchin to be included in plans for a Chilterns National Park.

Mr Afolami said: "Protecting our local environment in Hitchin is one of my top priorities for our community.

"We are very fortunate to have some outstandingly beautiful countryside.

"I have written to the Secretary of State to ascertain the most appropriate mechanism through which this can be achieved in Westminster and I hope that North Hertfordshire District Council will offer their support to this campaign.

"I really hope that we will be able to make a real difference and protect this fantastic natural landscape for decades to come.

"I have recently been in discussions with North Hertfordshire Cllr. Dr. Simon Harwood about the possibility of extending the Chilterns AONB."

Mr Afolami raised this campaign in the House of Commons on Thursday and has now written to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

He has also called on the Leader of North Hertfordshire District Council to ask for the Council's support for extending the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Councillor Dr. Simon Harwood added: [I]"During the recent lockdowns this peaceful countryside has a been a lifesaver for thousands of people far and wide.

"Classifying it as an AONB will protect it for generations to come and allows us to continue our plans to develop wildlife corridors through North Herts and beyond.

"I hope the government will recognise Bim's call to action."