THIS year could be a big one for air pollution as the Government is likely to find itself back in court for failing to come up with a credible plan to safeguard public health.

After Paris, climate change is also likely to be in the spotlight.

Whatever it decides on Heathrow or Gatwick, Government policy will be exposed as taking us in the wrong direction on both issues.

Fracking could also be in the news, particularly if the oil price rises.

The threat of an A27 northern bypass to both Chichester and the South Downs National Park is going to become a political hot potato.

This will only serve to increase major concerns about A27 expansion in Arundel, Worthing and east of Lewes.

As people in Worthing realise that many homes are likely to be demolished, resistance to road building will grow.

In Brighton, much energy is likely to be wasted pursuing park and ride instead of sorting out the railway to London and along the coast.

The difficulties of how a new conference centre at Black Rock works in terms of transport and the city centre economy will also come under the spotlight.

In Brighton and Hove, recycling rates are unlikely to go up much, while proposals to take a hatchet to the ranger service will be re-appraised in the face of growing concerns about our green spaces which are also threatened by housebuilding.

Not likely to be a good year for people or their environment.

  • Chris Todd is a member of Brighton and Hove Friends of the Earth