A local firm of architects called the RH Partnership has produced a handsome scheme for the Brighton Station site.

It has got hundreds of much-needed homes, shops and a hotel. It follows the traditional building lines and fits in well with the North Laine next door.

No wonder Greens and conservationists welcomed it as fitting in to their ideals for this site, which has been largely empty for years.

But the crucial point is whether it will appeal to Railtrack, owners of the site, and Brighton and Hove Council, which will have to make a planning decision.

Everyone accepts that there must be more community spirit in the new scheme than in the one for a Sainsbury's superstore, industry and housing, which was rejected by a planning inspector.

But this is a valuable site that will also cost millions to develop because of its industrial past. What goes on there has to be viable, as well as community-based.

The RH scheme is not that much different from one produced by the New England Consortium, which includes Railtrack and Sainsbury's. The sticking point will be whether to include a new store. If it's not that, there must be something equally lucrative or the sums won't add up.

Daydreamer

There could be no greater proof that actor Darren Day is settling down than this.

He is forsaking the bright lights and wild parties of London for a home in Hove.

What's more, the fun-loving star says he has gone for a proper family home with a garden.

He only just stopped short of saying he'll be pottering in the garden before settling down in the evening with a pipe and slippers.

But knowing his past reputation for having a good time, we'll believe it when we see it.

In for a penny

A pay packet mistake turned out fine in the end for big-hearted Detective Chief Inspector Dave Gaylor of Sussex Police.

He wanted to ask staff if they'd mind paying £1 each from their wage packets to named charities, but thanks to a mix up the deductions were made anyway.

Only a few officers and other workers asked for the money to be returned, leaving more than £4,000 for charity.

Which goes to show that those who pound the beat don't mind missing a pound if it's all in a good cause.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.