Many millennium projects, particularly the Dome, have been dogged by disaster. But there's one proving to be a quiet success.

More than £43 million was granted so that the bike track charity Sustrans can build a national cycle network.

Sustrans is already half way towards achieving that aim and many miles of the network are being built in Sussex.

Contributions from councils and local businesses mean the total network will cost around £180 million.

The network is already attracting more people on to their bikes as anyone will see looking at the seafront lanes in Hove and Hastings and the Cuckoo trail north of Polegate.

It should be even more popular when it's finished and no potential cyclist is more than a short ride from a safe route.

Cyclists are vulnerable on busy roads, so it's much better to get them on to safe, quiet tracks and lanes.

Bikes are impractical for long distances or for carrying heavy loads. They aren't much fun up hills, against strong winds and in heavy rain. But they can play a significant, if small, part in reducing reliance on cars.

Councils which are being apathetic or obstructive should remove the obstacles which are at present creating gaps in the network.

Public eye There has been a nasty wave of violence in parts of Kemp Town over the last year. It has ranged from attacks on gay men to traders in their own shops.

Now, three closed circuit TV cameras are being installed in the main shopping area of St George's Road.

They should help deter attacks by drunks, drug addicts and homophobic gangs. Police will be given valuable clues where incidents do occur.

The cameras are a good example of community co-operation between the council, traders and Brighton Health Care NHS Trust, which could be extended to other parts of Kemp Town.

Shout for joy Alan Head had a surprise send off at the end of his 40-year career as a firefighter and fire safety expert.

Waiting for him outside Hove Town Hall was a vintage fire engine of the kind he used to ride in back in the Sixties.

It was a real thrill for him to ride around the streets of Hove, passing the fire station where he was stationed for many years. He went out in a blaze of glory.