People arguing both for and against the new scout hut proposed for Steyning will use statistics to back their point of view, but the most important issue now is to learn for the future.

The long debate has show we have a communication problem in the community. This has been more sharply focused since parish councils have been involved in the decision-making process.

Other than from notice boards in the town and the availability of minutes, there is no easy channel of communication between parish council and parish, unless people attend the meetings.

One of the things we wanted to achieve through Steyning 2000 was the publication of a quarterly magazine which could be delivered, free of charge, door-to-door throughout the parish.

It would facilitate communication and avoid the need for campaigning. Everyone would feel they had made their point in the process of decision-making.

-George Cockman, Chairman, Steyning 2000