Former Fleet Street editor Brian Hitchen was never one to mince his words when he was in charge of the Daily Star.

Now he is incensed about plans by traffic consultants engaged by the city council to change the flow of traffic at Palmeira Square in Hove.

Mr Hitchen, who lives nearby, spoils his case by swiping at the city council over several schemes in Brighton.

But he is absolutely right to say there is no need to tamper with the traffic system around the Floral Clock as it generally works well.

There's an old maxim that if it ain't broke, don't fix it and councillors considering the proposals should learn from that.

They also should beware of facing the full wrath of Brian Hitchen, an experience that has reduced tough reporters to quivering wrecks in the past.