Protesters celebrated two years ago when Southern Water's plans for a sewage treatment plant at Portobello near Telscombe Cliffs were defeated after a public inquiry.

But now the price we will all pay for that defeat has been revealed. It is a far more expensive plant in a far more unsuitable place that will be equally opposed.

There can be no doubt that a treatment plant is needed.

When the Hastings scheme comes into operation, Brighton and Hove will be the only major seaside resort in the South without one.

Portobello, where there has been a sewage outfall for more than 100 years, was the obvious place.

The company has now selected eight other sites, which it shortlisted with the help of local councils from a total of 66.

None will be popular and some will involve extensive road disruption during construction.

But one of them will have to be chosen within the next few months and it should be with the backing, even if reluctant in some cases, of Brighton and Hove people.

The far-flung sites, such as Newhaven and Shoreham Harbour, are out of the question. So is Black Rock, earmarked for a leisure development.

This leaves two at Sheepcote Valley and one at Ovingdean as the most likely contenders.

If they are all rejected, the likelihood is that the company will have no alternative but to try again at Portobello.

You have been warned.