The request from ex-service organisations in Brighton and Hove to the city council is simple and reasonable.

They want a little fence around the war memorial in Old Steine to be doubled in height to deter people from climbing over and behaving inappropriately there.

The council has, over the years, steadfastedly refused to find the £4,000 or so needed for the fence claiming hardship and that it would not really solve the problem.

Now it has decided to set up a mini inquiry to find out if the ex-service folk's case is a good one.

Several years ago, after much pressure, the old Brighton Borough Council solved a long-standing problem with scummy water in the pond around the memorial by spending a little money on a fountain.

Wouldn't it be simple and easy for the current council to scrap the inquiry and find the modest sum needed to protectthis precious memorial?