Opponents of the new community stadium for Albion at Falmer say it will be an alien lump of concrete in an area of beautiful downland.

But it doesn't have to be like that as the soaring stand on the top of Goodwood Racecourse, near Chichester, demonstrated more than a decade ago.

A new group called Fans of the Earth is trying to bring Green campaigners round to their point of view.

It's a sensible move since the main disadvantage of the stadium is that the land is a green site at the moment.

There's overwhelming public support for Falmer as the best possible site for the football club's permanent home. It's accessible by road and rail. It's on land which has been earmarked for development over many years.

The stadium will not only give the club a home, but will also provide a much-needed community sports arena.

What's vital is that the design is of the highest standard possible. Other football clubs have shown it's possible to build new grounds which are beautiful as well as functional.

There is no other feasible site for the new stadium. Fans of the Earth are a welcome pressure group to ensure that if the stadium goes ahead, it will be as beautiful as possible.

Points made All week there have been groups of demonstrators outside the Labour conference in Brighton representing interests varying from pensioners to farmers.

Now Tony Blair has said and repeated in his keynote speech to delegates that he and the Cabinet are listening to what they are saying.

Some notice will certainly be taken of the pensioners by helping the poorest of them. But the Prime Minister made it clear that he can't accede to every wish and that choices do have to be made.

People have a democratic right to protest to the Government of the day, but some of them, notably the Countryside Alliance, are overdoing it.

They've made their point and its been listened to by Tony Blair. Now they should go back to their farms and let the centre of Brighton breathe again.

Tourism de force Worthing is no longer a seaside resort according to new signs that have been put up greeting residents to the town.

Instead of welcoming tourists, the sign extols its merits as a centre for business, leisure and shopping.

Hoteliers are right to protest and ask councillors to promote tourism in a seaside town with a pier. But it may be their last resort.