Bordering on the unjust, Seeking truth, Bit of a burger

There were celebrations last year when much of the coastal strip between the Adur and the Ouse was given assisted area status by the Government.

But the joy proved to be premature. Not only did the status need confirmation from Brussels before a single penny could be offered in funding but it also became clear the boundaries were not right.

Now for the sake of geography, the Hanover area of Brighton is in while Moulsecoomb and Stanmer are out. It's an odd way of doing business since the criteria for assisted area status should surely be need rather than location. There's no doubt about the need in Moulsecoomb.

But the good news is that most of a conurbation with high unemployment and considerable deprivation should become an assisted area, including the biggest brownfield site in Sussex at Shoreham Harbour.

It should encourage existing firms to expand and new ones to come in, providing hundreds of jobs.

Now what's needed is a quick approval from the bureaucrats in Brussels so that all the fine words of politicians are followed by action from business.

Seeking truth

William Hague has been under fire for his party's tough attitude on asylum seekers with allegations from the Liberal Democrats he has been playing the race card.

But the Tory leader was reasonable enough when interviewed by the Argus during a flying visit to Eastbourne.

Many people will agree with his assertion that while there is always room for genuine refugees, a lot of people who are not fleeing oppression are still claiming asylum in Britain.

No one should be in any way racist or use inflammatory language on this sensitive issue. But it should still be discussed and careful questioning is needed to sort out the genuine applicants from would-be economic migrants.

Bit of a burger

John White says he faces financial ruin after being told he may not be able to run a vegetarian burger bar.

He was all set to start the business in Norfolk Square, Brighton, after the borough council suggested a pitch there. But now after a complaint from a neighbour, Mr White may not get the licence after all.

Hot veggie food could be just what is wanted in the town centre and council officials should be careful before telling Mr White to burger off.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.