Many armchair politicians say they would like to run Brighton and Hove City Council to get it the way they want - and then do nothing about it.

But now more than 230 people have taken the trouble to be nominated as candidates in the local elections.

Most of them do not stand an earthly of being elected but at least they are having a go.

For the 54 who are chosen, there is a time of great responsibility ahead of them in the next four years.

There is a real opportunity during that period to make changes that will shape Brighton and Hove for the next century.

Prime sites such as the King Alfred in Hove, Shoreham Harbour, the Brighton Centre and Black Rock are all ready to be developed.

The new council can be bold and sanction schemes on these sites that will take the city forward.

They will provide big attractions for tourists and visitors, house hundreds of people and produce thousands of new jobs.

If these opportunities are missed, developers and architects who are clamouring to put an extra buzz into Brighton and Hove will pack their bags and go somewhere else more receptive - maybe a rival resort.

People casting their votes should not be bound by narrow party political considerations. They should put their crosses against the candidates who will take the city forward rather than push it into a backwater.