Campaigners say a stunning countryside region is under threat from a new template for development. The South Downs Campaign has complained that the South East Plan could cause lasting damage. The campaign, set up to protect the interests of the
There is no point in a South Downs national park unless farmers get more cash to look after the landscape, the House of Lords has been warned. Tory peer and former Mid Sussex MP Lord Renton of Mount Harry accused ministers who pledged to create the
The concert hall on Brighton's crumbling West Pier finally crashed into the sea as storms pounded Sussex yesterday. Winds reaching 70mph buffeted the remains of the fire-ravaged building where couples danced and romanced during the pier's heyday.
The Government has been asked to scrap the West Pier's Grade I listed status. The West Pier Trust expects to hear today whether its bid for £19.5 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund is successful after the cost of a rebuild rose by £6 million.
Supporters of the restoration of Brighton's West Pier have welcomed a possible change in the law to prevent unnecessary delays to marine projects. The Harbours Bill, which has been introduced in the House of Lords, would remove the need to hold public
Brighton and Hove has given 10,000 reasons why nothing should stand in the way of the West Pier's restoration. A petition started by business partners Eamon Coyle and Michel Chauny, which was casually left on display in their seafront shop, amassed
Usually found languishing under a layer of lumpy custard, rhubarb is enjoying a revival thanks to an army of health-conscious fans. Sales of the "forgotten vegetable" doubled in the past year after it was given the thumbs-up by celebrity chefs and weight-watchers
Sussex Police say two arson attacks on Brighton's historic West Pier are not being linked. Detectives investigating a second fire to have been deliberately started on the Victorian landmark say there is no evidence to suggest it is linked to a blaze
Brighton's crumbling West Pier went up in flames again today in a suspected arson attack. A dozen firefighters were sent to the pier shortly after 2am following reports of a blaze in the partially collapsed concert hall at the promenade end of the
Police still have no idea how the fire which destroyed the West Pier's historic pavilion started. An investigation into what has been classified as an arson attack is continuing but there is little chance that any perpetrators will be brought to court
Creators of a rival bid to save and transform the crumbling West Pier have insisted their vision is not an unrealistic fantasy. Brighton and Hove city councillors are due to decide later this month on developers St Modwen's plans to rebuild the landmark
English Nature has objected to the proposed renovation of Brighton's West Pier, saying the plan would not protect starlings and birds of prey. The wildlife watchdog said proposals to protect the starling roost in the planning application submitted
Opposition to a controversial beachside development near Brighton's West Pier is coming from as far away as California. Retired business executive George Spowart and his wife Kate, who live near Los Angeles, were horrified when they learned of a plan
An amateur designer has revealed his alternative vision for the West Pier - and it could leave Brighton and Hove with a sandy beach as big as Blackpool's. Cliff Clifford says his radical scheme would safeguard the long-term future of the Grade I listed
More than one hundred people today demonstrated against plans to develop the shoreline at the West Pier. They feared two large buildings planned for either side of the pier will permanently spoil the look of the seafront. Protesters including a
Protesters say magnificent sea views of the seafront at the West Pier could be obliterated by a plan to restore the ruined pier. Developer St Modwen is proposing a large leisure scheme on either side of the West Pier in Brighton to make sure the beautiful
New £30 million plans to transform Brighton seafront around the derelict West Pier announced yesterday have sparked mixed reactions. For many, this is the crowning moment of the seafront revamp, now in its final phase, which has taken place during
The director of the biggest tourist attraction in the South-East has launched an attack on the redevelopment of the West Pier. David Biesterfield, director of the Noble Organisation, which owns the Palace Pier, said the scheme to redevelop the derelict
The main company behind plans to restore the West Pier in Brighton is to be wound up. Property developer Nick Leslau is winding up the Prestbury Group, based in London, after being disappointed at its low share price. But the multi-millionaire has
Work to save Brighton's West Pier will finally start on Monday, the Argus can reveal. Divers will be going down to inspect the underwater piles to see what needs to be done. And once their job is completed, essential strengthening and emergency
Plans to restore Brighton's historic West Pier have hit yet another delay. It was hoped the 133-year-old listed building would be completely restored by the year 2001 after boxer Chris Eubank announced he was heading a new consortium last month.
Chris Eubank has launched a last-minute rescue bid to restore Brighton's historic West Pier. The former boxing champion has joined forces with a new private consortium and is pledging to start work by the spring. The dramatic news comes as the Heritage
Brighton's famous West Pier was left virtually split in two today after huge chunks of decking crashed into the sea. Onlookers were shocked to see only the walkway linking the remaining sections of the 132-year-old landmark. Debris which fell from
Brighton's West Pier has been saved by £14 million grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund. At least £10 million will be added by private sector partners of the owners, the Brighton West Pier Trust. The Grade I listed building, dating from 1866, will
Twenty years is a long time but director Lucy Bailey has patiently waited two decades to get her hands on Noel Coward's Tonight At 8.30. After falling in love with the series of nine one-act plays in her 20s, the director has been desperate to put them
I read with avid interest that Sir Tim Rice would be judging a charity songwriting contest, hoping to find a hotbed of song writing talent (The Argus, July 1). At last, someone who would appreciate my talent - a Knight of the Realm, a really a famous
I don't agree the return of the Dome's organ was unwelcome (The Argus, July 11) and neither did the audience who, as Mike Howard acknowledged, gave "rapturous applause to each number". If he couldn't find anything complimentary to say , the least he could
After having her yoghurt confiscated at Wimbledon, Mrs Marilyn Still has my sympathy (The Argus, July 8) - perhaps Tupperware would be the answer in such situations? However, I was puzzled by her reference to "the nanny state" and could not see what her
Big Brother contestant Pete Stephenson is excited about finally being up for eviction. Pete has proved one of the show's most popular housemates and, until now, was the only person not to be nominated. But this week Big Brother punished mouthy new housemate
Your article "Airport could close in 35 years if not viable" (The Argus, July 6) is unfair to the new operators of Shoreham Airport. There is nothing to show the two councils which owned the site wouldn't have closed it. After all, they sold it cheap
Richard Cairns's comments about examiners (The Argus, July 6) are an insult to the professionalism of the many exam markers, including myself, working so hard at this time of year to ensure fair assessment for all candidates. It is frankly bizarre to
Thousands of music fans packed Brighton seafront to see one of the UK's hottest bands play the biggest concert the beach has seen in four years. A select group of 600 people were texted details of the secret gig by rock outfit Razorlight on their mobile
I was delighted to hear a reunion for former students, teachers and their guests who were at either Varndean Boys or Varndean Girls Grammar Schools in the Seventies is being held at Varndean College, Brighton on July 15. Full details may be found on the
A pub where serious violence broke out on two consecutive weekends has been ordered to close indefinitely. Magistrates yesterday decided The Toby in Cowley Drove, Woodingdean, must remain closed until Brighton and Hove City Council reviews its licence
I would like to thank The Argus for continuing to campaign for Omar Deghayes to be sent home. The recent article, "Make your voice heard for justice" (The Argus, July 8), reports US authorities are at last looking for ways to shut Camp Delta at Guantanamo
We had the pleasure of attending the student's performance of Macbeth at Patcham High School, Brighton, last Thursday. The visuals were stunning, the performances excellent and the background music something to behold. If there were any theatrical agents
A man was electrocuted in a hotel shower in Paris after a night out at a Robbie Williams concert. Steve Jupp, 40, died despite efforts to save him by his partner Jayne Saxby and French paramedics. It is not yet known how the tragic accident happened but
The Revd Webster's letters are usually calmly couched and much of their contents unobjectionable and, indeed, sometimes challenging. All sensible people would agree no religion should be attacked - rationally criticised, yes, but not attacked. Not having
Correspondents on both sides of the fence appear to have missed an important point about Jerry Springer, The Opera. It is, in fact, a morality play whose principal character, a rascally chatshow host, is shot and grievously wounded as a consequence of
So far so good sums up Sussex's performances in the first half of the Championship campaign. Six wins out of eight represents their best start since the Thirties and the days of Arthur Gilligan but cricket manager Mark Robinson insists his side are capable
Pupils are putting their interior design skills to the test in a competition to design the perfect classroom. The Portakabin company has challenged design technology students in Year 8 at Oriel High School, Maidenbower Lane, Crawley, to design the interior
A second human rights organisation has backed a campaign to allow a failed asylum seeker to stay in this country. The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI) said it could not understand why Mohammed Samad, from Blackthorns, Hurstpierpoint,
Razorlight brought their golden touch to Brighton seafront last night. On a sunny summer evening, the four-piece band's brand of guitar pop had the crowd of about 4,500 clapping and cheering throughout the 55-minute set. The location of the gig was only
Eric Bogle, the composer of And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda and No-Man's Land, the two greatest anti-war ballads in the language, is a rubicund, avuncular figure, rather like Santa Claus on holiday. John Munro accompanied him superbly on guitar,
The owner of a post office who grappled with an armed robber has described his actions as "survival instinct". Tim Willis, 43, was alone in the Windmill Hill Post Office, near Herstmonceux, when a masked gunman ran into the shop pointing the gun at him
A mother battling to reinstate hospital services is stepping up her campaign. Becky O'Gorman, 34, is demanding to know what progress has been made since she met Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt. During the meeting Mrs O'Gorman handed over a 33,000-name
The Government has been urged to end the incarceration of children in a Sussex detention centre. A report published yesterday accused ministers of causing lasting damage to young people by locking them up as part of the immigration process. Tinsley House
A police officer who was shot at by an escaped convict is competing for the title of Britain's bravest bobby tonight. Marksman PC Ian Potter was shot at 20 times by fugitive Christopher Maitland at St Peter's Church, Brighton, in April 2003. Armed robber
Crime Reduction Initiative (CRI) is a charity which works with enforcement agencies, local authorities, health services and the voluntary sector to support individuals in criminal justice and community settings. Its services target many core social issues
I am tracing my family tree and hope to find some relatives of my father he has lost touch with. My dad's name was William Robert Knight (b1913). He was also known as Fidge or Sam. He married Iris Donovan from Henley on Thames and they had five children
There's an easy way to have high-speed buses on all routes, not just the two projected (The Argus, July 7) - install Pay Before You Board machines at all bus stops, as are found in many other cities. It cuts out all those people fiddling in their bags
An array of Britain's favourite actresses will appear at Brighton's Theatre Royal next season. Felicity Kendal, Penelope Keith, Diana Quick and Honor Blackman are among those taking to the stage this autumn in a line-up of funny, moving and thought-provoking
Airline sick bags are not the most appealing of items to collect. However, one of the more bizarre exhibitions at Worthing Museum and Art Gallery reveals the essential in-flight accessories have a novelty value worth displaying. Several dozen airline
Ditched plans to merge Sussex and Surrey police have cost £1 million - the equivalent of a year's salary for 50 constables. Peter Jones, chairman of Sussex Police Authority, condemned the Government for wasting time on the "bloody stupid" plans which
Police searching the home of a Muslim terror suspect found an Islamic book called Jihad and Martyrs, the Old Bailey has heard. Jawad Akbar, 22, is accused of plotting to plant a massive fertiliser bomb in the UK. Detectives raided his home in Crawley,
Ross Minter's challenge for Takaloo's WBU welterweight belt in September is off. The English welterweight champion has been ruled out of the clash on September 8 in London due to a cut picked up in last Saturday's warm-up fight against Duncan Cottier.
Jon Cook reckons Eastbourne Eagles' mid-season break could not be coming at a better time. Eagles last rode in the battling 54-41 defeat at Reading on Monday and do not return to the track until a week on Sunday, when Oxford visit Arlington (3.30). Nicki
P Holding of Burgess Hill said the show Jerry Springer, The Opera portrayed Jesus Christ as an object of ridicule (Letters, July 4). There were other serious concerns, too, and I am not surprised. In the book of Genesis, God's creation is seen to be good
Linda Elriani, the greatest squash player Sussex has ever produced, is buzzing after finding a substitute drug for her sporting habit. Elriani, who has maintained a world top-six place since the mid-Nineties, announced her retirement following a 16-year
Sussex all-rounder Robin Martin-Jenkins insists the Championship battle is not a two-horse race. The county have a better record at halfway than they did when they won their first title in 2003. But they still trail leaders Lancashire by six points, although
I live in Montefiore Road, Hove, so will effectively have no choice of local secondary school for my children if the current "distance only" criterion is not changed. On Tuesday, I attended the last scheduled public consultation meeting held as part of
Albion are furious with Swindon Town after the League Two outfit pulled out of a pre-season date. Dennis Wise was due to bring the Robins for the summer's only friendly at Withdean. They have now pulled out of the game, on July 28, so they can concentrate
Mark McGhee today admitted he faces a battle to sign his top target to replace Seb Carole. Newcastle reserve team winger Martin Brittain, who showed up well in last Saturday's friendly win at Worthing, is now training with Hull City. The Seagulls would
A millionaire has withdrawn his offer to save Hastings Pier and the entire 130-year-old structure will close on Sunday - destroying traders' livelihoods. Last week Ian Stuart, 55, a former owner of the pier and the current owner's adviser, offered to
Eastbourne's Airbourne is heading underground to invite London commuters to the world's biggest seafront airshow. The annual international event, running from August 17 to 20, is to feature in the town's new advertising campaign to be launched on the
Campaigners fighting plans for a seafront skyscraper are staging a demonstration outside a town hall. Members of the Marina Action Group were due to hand in a petition at today's full Brighton and Hove City Council meeting. They say the outcome of the
Services for drug and alcohol addicts and people with HIV/Aids are under pressure because of a cash shortage. The Department of Health has allocated £2.5 million to Brighton and Hove for substance abuse services, £265,000 less than expected. It means
Campaigners fighting for a new stadium for Brighton and Hove Albion have complained that Lewes District Council has doctored a picture in its anti-Falmer literature. The Falmer For All campaign launched an investigation into the photographs used in
Albion's Knight in shining armour has been leading the charge towards Falmer for the last eight years. Charismatic chairman Dick Knight could have done without the problems he has faced since taking over as chairman in 1997. But his passion, drive
Mark McGhee has revealed his dream ticket - keeping Albion in the Championship until they move to Falmer. And the Seagulls boss has emphasised his desire to achieve that goal by insisting he still wants to be in the hotseat when the club make the longawaited
The Seagulls have a long way to fly before they reach the promised land of a new stadium. Albion chief executive Martin Perry said: "In some respects gaining planning permission is just the beginning. "There is an awful lot of work to do now."
Lewes MP Norman Baker has asked all his Liberal Democrat colleagues not to support Brighton and Hove Albion's stadium plans. Brighton Pavilion MP David Lepper tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) in the House of Commons, urging MPs to show their support
John Prescott's in-tray was overflowing this morning with the heart-felt pleas of Albion fans for a stadium at Falmer. The Deputy Prime Minister took delivery of hundreds of messages from readers of The Argus demanding a successful outcome to the stadium
Albion fans are praying D-Day for a new stadium will not turn into a nightmare. Hallowe'en will be the deadline for Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott to put longsuffering Seagulls supporters out of their misery. The club has been told it will find
Brighton and Hove Albion have won their battle for more seats and to keep playing at Withdean stadium. It means the Seagulls can stay at their temporary home in Brighton for another three years and increase its capacity. Yesterday's decision by
Dear Mr Prescott, The waiting has gone on long enough. It is now time for you to say Yes to a Brighton and Hove Albion football stadium at Falmer. Albion survived in this season's Championship by the skin of their teeth - their future only decided
Albion fans have vowed to give John Prescott a noisy reception if he has not said yes to their new stadium by the time of the Labour conference in September. The Deputy Prime Minister is expected to make his decision before Christmas but is facing
The Government is facing new pressure to say yes to an Albion stadium at Falmer - from three Labour MPs. Brighton and Hove's David Lepper, Des Turner and Celia Barlow will tomorrow table a motion to debate the plans on the first day of Parliament.
A campaign calling on the Government to hurry up and give Brighton and Hove Albion the go-ahead to build a new stadium is growing. The club's heroics against Ipswich at the weekend have ensured their survival in the Championship but supporters want
Brighton and Hove Albion fans have just one plea to the victorious Labour Government - give us a new stadium. Thousands of voters in the city gave Tony Blair the chance to make a historic return for a third term in power. Now his party has a chance
Dramatic new evidence in the Brighton and Hove Albion inquiry has thrown the proceedings into disarray. Toad's Hole Valley has emerged as a threat to Falmer's status as the only credible choice for the Seagulls' community stadium following the testimony
The long-running public inquiry to determine the fate of Brighton and Hove Albion's Falmer stadium plan will finally end on May 4 - the day before the General Election. The inquiry resumes tomorrow at Brighton Town Hall for four days of further evidence
Contractors could not believe their luck when they saw an advert inviting them to put just 2,000 seats in a football stadium - in return for £40 million. The notice for Brighton and Hove Albion's Withdean stadium appeared in trade magazine Contract
Every Falmer resident will have to pay hundreds of pounds more in tax to fund a campaign against a stadium in their village - even though some want it. The parish council has trebled its council tax bill to help fund its legal fight against Brighton
Brighton and Hove Albion's seven years of enforced homelessness have cost the club at least £30 million. Chairman Dick Knight said the figure was an estimate of potential revenue lost since the Goldstone Ground was closed in 1997 combined with the
Albion are getting shirty with the fans to help raise funds for their Alive and Kicking appeal. Hard-up Seagulls want to raise £2 million to help fund the public and planning inquiry costs for the Falmer project. They want to boost the coffers by
Just two of the 11 possible sites for a new Brighton and Hove Albion football stadium are affordable options, the public inquiry has heard. The club said it can only raise enough cash to build the 22,000-seat arena at Sheepcote Valley or their preferred
Brighton and Hove Albion's chief executive told a public inquiry Falmer remains the best place to build a stadium. Martin Perry yesterday told the hearing his conclusion remained exactly the same as in 1999 - that Falmer was the best available option
Albion chairman Dick Knight's hopes of securing a Falmer stadium decision before the General Election were dealt a blow on the first day of the reopened public inquiry. Planning inspector David Brier yesterday confirmed the club's worst fears when
Brighton and Hove Albion supporters accused villagers of dirty tricks on the day a planning inspector toured sites suggested for the club's new stadium. At the request of Falmer Parish Council, Sussex Police put out about 20 traffic cones around Falmer
The public inquiry into Brighton and Hove Albion's Falmer stadium bid reopens tomorrow with a tour of nine possible alternative sites. Planning inspector David Brier will preside over what the club and thousands of football fans hope will be the final
John Prescott's verdict on the Falmer stadium proposal is likely to be delayed until after a general election, Brighton and Hove Albion fear. Club chief executive Martin Perry said the reopened public inquiry into Falmer was likely to take much longer
Election hopeful David Logan was dropped by the Conservatives for backing the Falmer stadium bid. The Tory candidate for Kemp Town in Brighton was forced to resign by members of his own party who are opposed to the proposed Brighton and Hove Albion
The shadow sports minister believes a new stadium for Brighton and Hove Albion would play a crucial role in Conservative policy. Tory MP Hugh Robertson met the club's chairman Dick Knight and chief executive Martin Perry yesterday at the Withdean ground
Generous Brighton and Hove Albion fans have raised almost £250,000 for the cash-strapped club's fighting fund. Albion launched the Alive and Kicking Appeal less than three months ago. Chairman Dick Knight had to go to fans with a begging bowl to
Brighton and Hove Albion has asked owners of land at Shoreham Harbour if they would be prepared to sell it to make way for their new football stadium. Even though the club is adamant Falmer is the only viable site, it has found itself in the bizarre
Brighton and Hove Albion supporter Norman Cook wants to cut a deal with John Prescott: "Give us our stadium and you can use my music." The superstar DJ, alias Fatboy Slim, was miffed when Labour used his track Right Here, Right Now at last week's party
Labour came face-to-face with their unofficial welcome committee last night as thousands of Albion fans took their campaign for a new stadium to the streets. Fans, players, politicians and celebrities seized the chance to make their message clear:
Brighton and Hove Albion have accused opponents of Falmer stadium of using cynical tactics to delay the reopened public inquiry. The inquiry, reopened by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott to explore possible alternative sites for a 22,000-seat stadium
A council leading the opposition to Brighton and Hove Albion's bid for a new stadium at Falmer has earmarked an extra £35,000 for the cause. Lewes District Council's ruling Cabinet has agreed to commit more money towards the reopened public inquiry
Labour councillors will join a march outside their party's conference in Brighton to press the Government to approve Albion's plans for a stadium at Falmer. Stadium supporters will march from Madeira Drive to the Brighton Centre and back from 5.30pm
Conservation watchdogs have accused Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott of bringing "the whole public inquiry system into disrepute" over the Falmer stadium controversy. The Sussex Downs Conservation Board hit out at Mr Prescott after he refused to
John Prescott's decision to reopen the public inquiry into Brighton and Hove Albion's stadium plans is a cynical ploy to save three Labour seats, an MP has claimed. Lewes MP Norman Baker believes the Deputy Prime Minister is plotting to stall a decision
The planning inspector who almost wrecked the Albion's dream for a new stadium believes the team's collapse would be no loss to football. In the conclusion to his 262-page dossier, in which he ripped apart almost every claim made in support of the
A decision on Brighton and Hove Albion's Falmer stadium bid could be imminent. Sharmila Meadows, the case worker in John Prescott's office dealing with the application, has written once again to all parties involved in the plans. Earlier this month
