St James's Street is the most beautiful shopping area in Brighton and should be one of the resort's greatest attractions.

But for the last 30 years it has been in decline. It has become the haunt of beggars, drug addicts and winos who have made the lives of residents, shoppers and traders a misery.

Efforts have been made to solve the problem. Brighton and Hove Council is spending more than £500,000 on improvements including traffic calming, renovations and landscaping.

It is also applying to the Home Office for a bylaw prohibiting street drinking in the St James's Street area.

But the street is still rough enough for Home Office Minister Lord Bassam, after he had met local traders and residents to discuss their concerns, to witness two alcoholics fixing themselves with drugs in broad daylight.

The council has done its bit. Several businesses such as the Tin Drum have been brave enough to establish themselves there despite all the problems.

Now it is up to the police to take action. Everyone concerned with the street says there is not enough of a visible presence in the street.

It shouldn't be too hard for officers to make a difference to the area. After all, Brighton Police Station is only a few minutes' walk away.

All the time drug addicts, drunks and beggars are allowed to get away with their unpleasant and illegal activities, the street will never improve. More bobbies on the beat for a sustained period will provide the answer.