Archive

  • Residents close in on playing fields victory

    A battle to reclaim a playing field for family use is one step closer to being won. Braybon Holdings has applied to Brighton and Hove City Council to build 112 low-cost homes on a private playing field at Redhill Close in Westdene. However, it is likely

  • Ominous silence

    On the fans' phone-in on Southern Counties Radio, the Albion's chief executive, Martin Perry, asked Norman Baker, our MP who is opposed to Falmer, to name an alternative site. Mr Baker could not answer. One wonders whether his reason is political. -Mike

  • I'm being naive

    As Victor Meldrew would say, I don't believe it. But anything involving politicians is credible. Under the headline "Stadium is a matter of political life or death", the new-look, thinking man's Argus (February 12) reports that Des Turner, Labour MP for

  • Not outfoxed

    Contrary to Winn Bones' comments (Letters, February 14), councillors who feel they have been wronged on our web site do have recourse in the form of legal action. I notice none has taken it. Contrary to what Mrs Bones says, Fox Mulder is a fictional character

  • How to waste tax

    I think I can help L Molsom in his quest to discover what council tax goes towards (Letters, February 10). About a year ago, I came across an invitation from the Brighton and Hove Modernisation Team (whatever that is), which was directed to managerial

  • Town crier is the real deal

    I have been a resident of Brighton and Hove for more than 30 years and witnessed the efforts of Margaret Pracy as the Spirit of Brighton and subsequently as town crier on a number of occasions. Without the likes of her, communication of local events would

  • This work is causing traffic chaos

    If Brighton and Hove City Council had taken a decision to punish and torment a large number of citizens going about their normal business for several months, it could hardly do better than produce another London Road/Preston Drove "improvement" scheme

  • Tax rise isn't fine

    So, April 2004 approaches and Brighton and Hove City Council is considering increasing council tax by almost 12 per cent. Goodness only knows how the fixed-income population, who have no union to demand an increase in the state pension, are going to cope

  • City loses licence-dodging capital tag

    Brighton has lost its status as the worst place in the South-East for TV licence dodging. A total of 1,046 people were caught using a television without a licence last year, compared with 1,497 in 2002 - a figure which placed the city top of TV Licensing's

  • Lay off landlords

    It was interesting that Brighton and Hove City Council went over the housing repair budget by some £300,000 as a result of damage caused by tenants who moved out, leaving property in a terrible state (The Argus, February 14). In many cases, deposits being

  • Punish petty criminals before they get worse

    What does Sussex Chief Constable Ken Jones want ordinary people to do? Pay up and then shut up? All the platitudes of "prioritising", "lack of resources", "shortage of manpower" and "policing is different today" are really of no concern to the ordinary

  • Tagged cannabis man to be freed

    Cannabis campaigner Chris Baldwin has been told he will leave jail four-and-a-half months early. Mr Baldwin is due to be released from prison with an electronic tag on Tuesday after serving 46 days of a six-month sentence for drug offences. He was jailed

  • Basketball: Bears 127 Birmingham 80

    Randy Duck may not be "ecstatic" about his new found authority as Brighton Bears stand-in coach but the responsibility did not weigh on him at all last night. Duck confessed before the BBL game at the Brighton Centre he was not enjoying the role put on

  • Airport expansion battle hots up

    Campaigners fighting plans to expand Britain's oldest airport will voice their concerns at a meeting tonight. Residents will oppose suggestions that the runway at Shoreham Airport should be extended. They are worried about the possible increase in noise

  • Dean's set for comeback

    Albion manager Mark McGhee today revealed Dean Blackwell is on the verge of launching his quest for a new contract. Blackwell, one of 11 players out of contract at the end of the season, is expected to join in training with the rest of the squad next

  • 'Racist' bathtub pub sign to stay

    A controversial bid to take down a "racist" pub sign has been abandoned despite being promised thousands of pounds of public money. The Pub Sign Project was formed to replace a sign showing a white woman trying to scrub a black baby white. Campaign organisers

  • BA job cuts

    British Airways' latest bid to cut costs has resulted in the loss of 350 jobs at a Glasgow call centre. The centre will close in November. Another in London, with a staff of 50, will close in March 2005. The firm said the move was in response to the increased

  • Post office visits decline

    Customers still use the post office when their usual branch closes but their visits are less frequent, a study has discovered. Figures found 94 per cent of customers still used a post office after their usual one closed but 50 per cent made less frequent

  • Phone giant plans expansion

    The Carphone Warehouse plans to open six shops in Sussex over the next 12 months. One will open in Bognor in April and further sites are being sought in Brighton, Hove, Crawley, Eastbourne, Haywards Heath and Hastings. More than 30 jobs will be created

  • Sign makers win royal approval

    Staff at a Hove-based sign company are celebrating an invitation from the Queen today. Best Signs will attend the Bankside Gallery to celebrate the bicentenary of the Royal Watercolour Society (RWS). The RWS approached the company in January to manufacture

  • Disability rights are good for business

    Business owners have been told to look at new disability legislation in a "positive light". Jackie Wright, of Disability Dynamics, was speaking at a meeting of the Worthing and Adur branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). She said disabled

  • BBC shows off its wares at market

    Almost 500 of the world's most influential programme buyers are expected to arrive in Brighton this weekend. BBC Showcase, the world's largest television programme market hosted by a single broadcaster, will be held at the Brighton Centre. Some 480 delegates

  • Councils to get tough on smokers

    Brighton and Hove City Council could soon be handed the powers it needs to ban smoking in public. Government ministers are to consult on whether to allow councils to outlaw lighting up in pubs, clubs, restaurants and shopping centres. The controversial

  • Another delay for patient organ fans

    The grand unveiling of a record-breaking organ has been postponed - again. For the second time, fans of Brighton Dome's legendary Norman, Hill & Beard instrument have been disappointed. The organ was originally due to be played for the first time

  • Writing to Prescott is a waste of time

    Ivor Caplin ought to have said that appealing to John Prescott about the Falmer stadium is a waste of time. All correspondence which isn't from his constituents goes straight to an official for a reply on his behalf. The reality of politics today is that

  • Odd objection

    I cannot understand why Lewes District Council objects to the proposed stadium at Falmer. With all the university buildings, it can hardly be called an area of outstanding natural beauty. I wonder if the council can suggest another suitable site within

  • Saving their skins

    While I have no particular opinion for or against the Falmer site for the Albion, I found it of interest that in their statements in The Argus Brighton and Hove's three Labour MPs see this as a "life or death" issue. Not for the Albion but for their political

  • I'm being naive

    As Victor Meldrew would say, I don't believe it. But anything involving politicians is credible. Under the headline "Stadium is a matter of political life or death", the new-look, thinking man's Argus (February 12) reports that Des Turner, Labour MP for

  • Rolling Stones gather the dosh

    The Rolling Stones made more money than any other rock act last year, a rich list has revealed. The veteran rockers - including guitarist Keith Richards who has a home in West Wittering - earnt £55.3 million in 2003 after a world tour and spin-off DVDs

  • How to waste tax

    I think I can help L Molsom in his quest to discover what council tax goes towards (Letters, February 10). About a year ago, I came across an invitation from the Brighton and Hove Modernisation Team (whatever that is), which was directed to managerial

  • Youth Rugby: Rogers makes squad for France

    Alex Rogers has been included in the England Clubs under-18s squad to play France near Paris on February 28. Rogers, 17, impressed in a 27-12 warm-up victory for the national side against the Worcester Under-19s Academy. The tight-head prop made the first

  • Youth Football: Sussex KO'd from nationals

    Sussex have been eliminated from the English Schools Cup after failing to complete their fixtures. The under-16s went top of their regional group with a 7-0 demolition of previous leaders Essex at Steyning Grammar School on Saturday. But despite winning

  • City loses licence-dodging capital tag

    Brighton has lost its status as the worst place in the South-East for TV licence dodging. A total of 1,046 people were caught using a television without a licence last year, compared with 1,497 in 2002 - a figure which placed the city top of TV Licensing's

  • Support yourself

    I agree with Kemptown MP Des Turner that the North should not be subsidised by the South (The Argus, February 12). I have worked hard and saved all my working life to get what I have today. My wife and family have done the same. One reason I'm retiring

  • Lay off landlords

    It was interesting that Brighton and Hove City Council went over the housing repair budget by some £300,000 as a result of damage caused by tenants who moved out, leaving property in a terrible state (The Argus, February 14). In many cases, deposits being

  • Senior Cup: Eastbourne B 2 Rye & Iden Utd 0

    Eastbourne Borough beat Rye and Iden United at Priory Lane to take another decisive step towards a third successive final. But the County League visitors made Garry Wilson's men fight all the way before a semi-final place was safely secured. Borough now

  • Husband escapes blaze

    A Turkish chef desperate to be reunited with his Brighton bride lost all his wedding souvenirs, love letters and clothes when his home was destroyed by fire. Ayhan Oghan, 26, awoke to find the house ablaze but managed to escape into the snow in just his

  • Punish petty criminals before they get worse

    What does Sussex Chief Constable Ken Jones want ordinary people to do? Pay up and then shut up? All the platitudes of "prioritising", "lack of resources", "shortage of manpower" and "policing is different today" are really of no concern to the ordinary

  • Dean's set for comeback

    Albion manager Mark McGhee today revealed Dean Blackwell is on the verge of launching his quest for a new contract. Blackwell, one of 11 players out of contract at the end of the season, is expected to join in training with the rest of the squad next

  • 'Racist' bathtub pub sign to stay

    A controversial bid to take down a "racist" pub sign has been abandoned despite being promised thousands of pounds of public money. The Pub Sign Project was formed to replace a sign showing a white woman trying to scrub a black baby white. Campaign organisers

  • Post office visits decline

    Customers still use the post office when their usual branch closes but their visits are less frequent, a study has discovered. Figures found 94 per cent of customers still used a post office after their usual one closed but 50 per cent made less frequent

  • More homeowners looking to sell

    Fears of a collapse in house prices prompted more people to put their homes up for sale last month, a survey shows. The hint of rising interest rates in 2004 brought more houses on to the market, according to a survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered

  • Disability rights are good for business

    Business owners have been told to look at new disability legislation in a "positive light". Jackie Wright, of Disability Dynamics, was speaking at a meeting of the Worthing and Adur branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). She said disabled

  • February 18: Dean's set for comeback

    Albion manager Mark McGhee today revealed Dean Blackwell is on the verge of launching his quest for a new contract. Blackwell, one of 11 players out of contract at the end of the season, is expected to join in training with the rest of the squad next

  • February 17: Harding set for full debut

    Dan Harding has been earmarked for his full home debut for Albion against Bournemouth at Withdean on Saturday. Manager Mark McGhee today revealed Harding is almost certain to replace the suspended Kerry Mayo at leftback. Mayo's ever-present record this

  • Baby who survived smallpox

    The youngest victim of Brighton's last major smallpox outbreak is still pitted with scars half a century later. Stewart Mellon had just reached his first birthday when he was given two hours to live as one of 30 smallpox victims in 1950 and 1951. The

  • Councils to get tough on smokers

    Brighton and Hove City Council could soon be handed the powers it needs to ban smoking in public. Government ministers are to consult on whether to allow councils to outlaw lighting up in pubs, clubs, restaurants and shopping centres. The controversial

  • Cold homes scandal to continue

    More than 1,000 homes in Brighton and Hove will still be cold and damp in 2010 despite a Government pledge to end the scandal, MPs claimed. The all-party Warm Homes Group said the promise that all properties would be "decent" by the end of the decade

  • Residents close in on playing fields victory

    A battle to reclaim a playing field for family use is one step closer to being won. Braybon Holdings has applied to Brighton and Hove City Council to build 112 low-cost homes on a private playing field at Redhill Close in Westdene. However, it is likely

  • Downs are out

    The Society of Sussex Downsmen is naturally very pleased the inspector has recommended against the use of the Falmer site, even if we do not agree with all of his suggested alternatives. However, John Prescott will have the final say and we must now await

  • Ominous silence

    On the fans' phone-in on Southern Counties Radio, the Albion's chief executive, Martin Perry, asked Norman Baker, our MP who is opposed to Falmer, to name an alternative site. Mr Baker could not answer. One wonders whether his reason is political. -Mike

  • Not outfoxed

    Contrary to Winn Bones' comments (Letters, February 14), councillors who feel they have been wronged on our web site do have recourse in the form of legal action. I notice none has taken it. Contrary to what Mrs Bones says, Fox Mulder is a fictional character

  • Town crier is the real deal

    I have been a resident of Brighton and Hove for more than 30 years and witnessed the efforts of Margaret Pracy as the Spirit of Brighton and subsequently as town crier on a number of occasions. Without the likes of her, communication of local events would

  • This work is causing traffic chaos

    If Brighton and Hove City Council had taken a decision to punish and torment a large number of citizens going about their normal business for several months, it could hardly do better than produce another London Road/Preston Drove "improvement" scheme

  • Youth Squash: Sussex retain title

    Sussex have retained their national under-17s squash title in Manchester. They overcame Kent 4-1 in the final with wins for British champion Rachel Willmott (Horsham), Rebecca Austin (Bexhill), Jenny Brown (Horsham) and Katie Hanley (Middleton). Charlotte

  • Tax rise isn't fine

    So, April 2004 approaches and Brighton and Hove City Council is considering increasing council tax by almost 12 per cent. Goodness only knows how the fixed-income population, who have no union to demand an increase in the state pension, are going to cope

  • Ryman (South): Dulwich Hamlet 4 Lewes 1

    Lewes missed a chance to go top of division one south after defeat at third placed Dulwich Hamlet. The kick-off was delayed by 45 minutes after a series of mishaps involving the Lewes players' coach but despite this Steven King's men made a bright start

  • Senior Cup: Worthing 1 Crawley 0

    Alan Pook is hoping sentiment does not get in the way of Worthing's bid for promotion to the premier division of the Ryman League. Unlike a number of other managers who have criticised the Sussex Senior Cup this season, Pook is desperate to lift the one

  • Tagged cannabis man to be freed

    Cannabis campaigner Chris Baldwin has been told he will leave jail four-and-a-half months early. Mr Baldwin is due to be released from prison with an electronic tag on Tuesday after serving 46 days of a six-month sentence for drug offences. He was jailed

  • Basketball: Bears 127 Birmingham 80

    Randy Duck may not be "ecstatic" about his new found authority as Brighton Bears stand-in coach but the responsibility did not weigh on him at all last night. Duck confessed before the BBL game at the Brighton Centre he was not enjoying the role put on

  • Airport expansion battle hots up

    Campaigners fighting plans to expand Britain's oldest airport will voice their concerns at a meeting tonight. Residents will oppose suggestions that the runway at Shoreham Airport should be extended. They are worried about the possible increase in noise

  • BA job cuts

    British Airways' latest bid to cut costs has resulted in the loss of 350 jobs at a Glasgow call centre. The centre will close in November. Another in London, with a staff of 50, will close in March 2005. The firm said the move was in response to the increased

  • Industry cool on A-levels proposals

    Proposals to replace A-levels and GCSEs with a four-tier "diploma" drew a mixed reaction today from businesses and teachers. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) said firms needed "some convincing" that changing the structure of the exam system

  • Phone giant plans expansion

    The Carphone Warehouse plans to open six shops in Sussex over the next 12 months. One will open in Bognor in April and further sites are being sought in Brighton, Hove, Crawley, Eastbourne, Haywards Heath and Hastings. More than 30 jobs will be created

  • Sign makers win royal approval

    Staff at a Hove-based sign company are celebrating an invitation from the Queen today. Best Signs will attend the Bankside Gallery to celebrate the bicentenary of the Royal Watercolour Society (RWS). The RWS approached the company in January to manufacture

  • BBC shows off its wares at market

    Almost 500 of the world's most influential programme buyers are expected to arrive in Brighton this weekend. BBC Showcase, the world's largest television programme market hosted by a single broadcaster, will be held at the Brighton Centre. Some 480 delegates

  • How I saved Hoogstraten

    His web site is a who's who of the evil and notorious. Harold Shipman, Saddam Hussein, Kenneth Noye and Slobodan Milosevic are all listed as clients. There is an essay about why Osama Bin Laden could hide out in Italy and a detailed section on Serbian

  • Bin arson 'putting lives at risk'

    Vandals who set communal bins on fire have been warned they are putting lives at risk. The arson attacks on two bins followed a criminal damage spree last week in which another 14 had to be replaced. A pilot scheme using 92 of the 3,200-litre kerbside

  • Serial rape accused tells of gay life

    The Sussex roots of an accused serial rapist emerged yesterday as he sobbed in the witness box: "I've been gay most of my life." Railway worker Antoni Imiela began giving evidence yesterday at his trial, to answer accusations he attacked nine women and

  • Speed cameras save lives

    The number of people killed on the roads of Sussex has fallen by more than a fifth in the nine years since speed cameras were introduced. In 1996 there were 117 fatal crashes. Last year there were 92, a reduction of 21 per cent. Figures from the Sussex

  • Another delay for patient organ fans

    The grand unveiling of a record-breaking organ has been postponed - again. For the second time, fans of Brighton Dome's legendary Norman, Hill & Beard instrument have been disappointed. The organ was originally due to be played for the first time

  • Writing to Prescott is a waste of time

    Ivor Caplin ought to have said that appealing to John Prescott about the Falmer stadium is a waste of time. All correspondence which isn't from his constituents goes straight to an official for a reply on his behalf. The reality of politics today is that

  • Odd objection

    I cannot understand why Lewes District Council objects to the proposed stadium at Falmer. With all the university buildings, it can hardly be called an area of outstanding natural beauty. I wonder if the council can suggest another suitable site within

  • Downs are out

    The Society of Sussex Downsmen is naturally very pleased the inspector has recommended against the use of the Falmer site, even if we do not agree with all of his suggested alternatives. However, John Prescott will have the final say and we must now await

  • Saving their skins

    While I have no particular opinion for or against the Falmer site for the Albion, I found it of interest that in their statements in The Argus Brighton and Hove's three Labour MPs see this as a "life or death" issue. Not for the Albion but for their political

  • Rolling Stones gather the dosh

    The Rolling Stones made more money than any other rock act last year, a rich list has revealed. The veteran rockers - including guitarist Keith Richards who has a home in West Wittering - earnt £55.3 million in 2003 after a world tour and spin-off DVDs

  • Youth Rugby: Rogers makes squad for France

    Alex Rogers has been included in the England Clubs under-18s squad to play France near Paris on February 28. Rogers, 17, impressed in a 27-12 warm-up victory for the national side against the Worcester Under-19s Academy. The tight-head prop made the first

  • Youth Squash: Sussex retain title

    Sussex have retained their national under-17s squash title in Manchester. They overcame Kent 4-1 in the final with wins for British champion Rachel Willmott (Horsham), Rebecca Austin (Bexhill), Jenny Brown (Horsham) and Katie Hanley (Middleton). Charlotte

  • Youth Football: Sussex KO'd from nationals

    Sussex have been eliminated from the English Schools Cup after failing to complete their fixtures. The under-16s went top of their regional group with a 7-0 demolition of previous leaders Essex at Steyning Grammar School on Saturday. But despite winning

  • Support yourself

    I agree with Kemptown MP Des Turner that the North should not be subsidised by the South (The Argus, February 12). I have worked hard and saved all my working life to get what I have today. My wife and family have done the same. One reason I'm retiring

  • Ryman (South): Dulwich Hamlet 4 Lewes 1

    Lewes missed a chance to go top of division one south after defeat at third placed Dulwich Hamlet. The kick-off was delayed by 45 minutes after a series of mishaps involving the Lewes players' coach but despite this Steven King's men made a bright start

  • Senior Cup: Eastbourne B 2 Rye & Iden Utd 0

    Eastbourne Borough beat Rye and Iden United at Priory Lane to take another decisive step towards a third successive final. But the County League visitors made Garry Wilson's men fight all the way before a semi-final place was safely secured. Borough now

  • Husband escapes blaze

    A Turkish chef desperate to be reunited with his Brighton bride lost all his wedding souvenirs, love letters and clothes when his home was destroyed by fire. Ayhan Oghan, 26, awoke to find the house ablaze but managed to escape into the snow in just his

  • Senior Cup: Worthing 1 Crawley 0

    Alan Pook is hoping sentiment does not get in the way of Worthing's bid for promotion to the premier division of the Ryman League. Unlike a number of other managers who have criticised the Sussex Senior Cup this season, Pook is desperate to lift the one

  • Industry cool on A-levels proposals

    Proposals to replace A-levels and GCSEs with a four-tier "diploma" drew a mixed reaction today from businesses and teachers. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) said firms needed "some convincing" that changing the structure of the exam system

  • More homeowners looking to sell

    Fears of a collapse in house prices prompted more people to put their homes up for sale last month, a survey shows. The hint of rising interest rates in 2004 brought more houses on to the market, according to a survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered

  • February 18: Dean's set for comeback

    Albion manager Mark McGhee today revealed Dean Blackwell is on the verge of launching his quest for a new contract. Blackwell, one of 11 players out of contract at the end of the season, is expected to join in training with the rest of the squad next

  • February 17: Harding set for full debut

    Dan Harding has been earmarked for his full home debut for Albion against Bournemouth at Withdean on Saturday. Manager Mark McGhee today revealed Harding is almost certain to replace the suspended Kerry Mayo at leftback. Mayo's ever-present record this

  • Baby who survived smallpox

    The youngest victim of Brighton's last major smallpox outbreak is still pitted with scars half a century later. Stewart Mellon had just reached his first birthday when he was given two hours to live as one of 30 smallpox victims in 1950 and 1951. The

  • How I saved Hoogstraten

    His web site is a who's who of the evil and notorious. Harold Shipman, Saddam Hussein, Kenneth Noye and Slobodan Milosevic are all listed as clients. There is an essay about why Osama Bin Laden could hide out in Italy and a detailed section on Serbian

  • Bin arson 'putting lives at risk'

    Vandals who set communal bins on fire have been warned they are putting lives at risk. The arson attacks on two bins followed a criminal damage spree last week in which another 14 had to be replaced. A pilot scheme using 92 of the 3,200-litre kerbside

  • Serial rape accused tells of gay life

    The Sussex roots of an accused serial rapist emerged yesterday as he sobbed in the witness box: "I've been gay most of my life." Railway worker Antoni Imiela began giving evidence yesterday at his trial, to answer accusations he attacked nine women and

  • Tagged cannabis man to be freed

    Cannabis campaigner Chris Baldwin has been told he will leave jail four-and-a-half months early. Mr Baldwin is due to be released from prison with an electronic tag on Tuesday after serving 46 days of a six-month sentence for drug offences. He was jailed

  • Tax rise kept low

    A council has limited its tax rise to 5.2 per cent but claims it could have been lower but for a lack of Government help. Officials on East Sussex County Council said a disastrous Government funding settlement meant they could not settle at a lower figure

  • Cold homes scandal to continue

    More than 1,000 homes in Brighton and Hove will still be cold and damp in 2010 despite a Government pledge to end the scandal, MPs claimed. The all-party Warm Homes Group said the promise that all properties would be "decent" by the end of the decade

  • Speed cameras save lives

    The number of people killed on the roads of Sussex has fallen by more than a fifth in the nine years since speed cameras were introduced. In 1996 there were 117 fatal crashes. Last year there were 92, a reduction of 21 per cent. Figures from the Sussex