The government agency behind controversial proposals to surrender a large area of Broads to the sea has been accused of “moving the goalposts” by altering its mission statement to downgrade the importance it places on people.

But Natural England denied changing its focus, claiming it had simply reverted to its original mission statement to ensure a consistent message.

Last week the statement on its website read: “Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas.” By yesterday that had been replaced by: “Natural England is here to conserve and enhance the natural environment, for its intrinsic value, the well-being and enjoyment of people and the economic prosperity that it brings.”

Read the full story by John Welch on the Eastern Daily Press website