DORSET Gardens are one of the forgotten pleasures of Kemp Town, an oasis of calm between busy St James's Street and Edward Street.

But they are rather down at hell and there is little at present to attract people into them. Now there are plans to spend money on improvements under a joint scheme between traders, local residents and the council. If they are agreed by everybody, work could start on them later this year. Afew flower beds and benches would do a lot to make the gardens brighter and it is possible that neighbours might like to form a group of friends to keep an eye on them. So far the project has been an admirable example of community co-operation but the council should beware of taking improvements too far. The essential character of the gardens is one of peace and quiet. Nothing should be done to destroy that as open space is at a premium in this part of Kemp Town.

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