With all the recent publicity about the dangers facing children, it is sad to hear how a Connex ticket inspector made a 13-year-old boy get off a train.

Just because he couldn't find his ticket.

Connor Prior had only mislaid his ticket, but that apparently wasn't good enough for the inspector who made him get off at Gatwick.

The youngster found his ticket in a rucksack later, but by then it was too late.

Fortunately, his father was working nearby and was able to rescue his son.

Quite rightly, his mother has written to the firm demanding an explanation and complaining about the incident.

Connex has written a letter of apology and is investigating the matter.

It is incidents like this which do nothing to reassure parents that their children are safe to travel on public transport.

This is no way for Connex to improve its tarnished image.

Traffic jam It is meant to reduce congestion and add to the general street scene.

But traders in St James's Street claim a new road scheme is having the opposite effect.

They fear flagging trade won't pick up even after the scheme has been completed and claim Brighton and Hove Council has ignored their views.

It's just the latest saga in the on-going problems of the road, which has already started to look decidedly down-at-heel from street drinking and vandalism.

A councillor is pledging to have a good hard look at the traffic problems to see what can be done.

Let's hope this happens soon before the problems in St James's Street get any worse.

Taking stocks Pevensey Castle may have been built to withstand marauding armies but it was no match for burglars who broke in and stole toy soldiers from its gift shop.

The head custodian has a range of medieval punishments which she would like to try out on the culprits if they are ever caught.

Perhaps a spell in the stocks would do the trick.