The Adur Valley is one of the most delightful parts of Sussex with a beautiful river running through a gap in the Downs towards the English Channel.

But for many years there has been an enormous scar on the eastern side caused by the old cement works which during the years has gouged a great chunk out of the chalk hills.

The cement works are now derelict but the scar remains as an ugly affront to the area. Many plans have been put forward for the site but all have failed.

Now environmentalists say the area should be relandscaped as a green valley at an estimated cost of £9 million.

It's a charming idea but who do they think is going to come along and spend that kind of sum for little commercial return when the site is owned by a firm of developers?

A more practical solution would be to allow some kind of leisure, commercial or housing scheme, which could be largely hidden away in the deepest part of the valley.

Then money from that could be spent on restoring the rest of the site so it is once again a green and pleasant stretch of land.

Developers and West Sussex County Council need to get a move on with this site so that as a first step, the particularly obnoxious old cement works building and equipment can be removed.

Sites of that size in this area do not often become available. There is a real chance to improve the landscape and make a contribution towards the local economy at the same time.