Ditchling is a good example of how village life has declined in the last couple of decades.

Whereas once there were 26 shops, now there are only five and the future of one village pub is in the air.

Traffic chokes the High Street so few people can stop and have a look around the picturesque village centre.

House prices have rocketed so it is hard for young people to either rent or buy homes where they have always lived.

But there are signs that all is not lost in Ditchling and many other Sussex villages.

The main village shop, Chesterton's, is thriving after filling a local niche. After all, not everyone wants to buy food at superstores in Brighton or Burgess Hill.

There is still a good sense of community with many local activities taking place and a successful village school.

That fierce local pride has kept the heart of the village in good condition and halted unsuitable developments.

The main problem is what to do about housing. Nothing can stop the price of houses rising in what remains one of the most desirable villages in Sussex.

But it is possible to ensure there is an element of affordable housing in all new schemes of any size.

Low-cost homes would keep local people, including youngsters without much money, in Ditchling. Without them, there is a real danger it will become a wealthy, geriatric enclave.