The gay and lesbian community is an important element of Brighton and Hove.

But it seems very little is known about the needs of the people which make up this group.

The gay community may be the largest minority in the towns but for too long their needs may have been neglected by the powers that be.

All that is about to be addressed with a survey organised by council and health authority officials.

Count Me In offers a real opportunity for the needs of gay men and lesbians to be taken into account when deciding the best way of regenerating the towns.

Let's hope we can count on as many people as possible to take part.

Be cautious There has been a long tradition of law-abiding travellers wandering Britain living a nomadic lifestyle.

Travelling tinkers and generations of gipsies are an important part of our culture and we should not criticise them for choosing an alternative lifestyle.

But in recent months, Brighton seems to have been attracting travellers who couldn't care less about the lifestyles of others.

They unlawfully set up camp on other people's land and then, when it is time to go, leave the most disgusting messes for others to clean up.

If, as Tory councillor Geoffrey Theobald says, the town is becoming the place to be for these people, it is likely to become the place to flee for those who have to live nearby.

We should welcome a Government crackdown on these lawbreakers, but be wary that it does not target legitimate travellers.

Spooky, darling Sussex Police is more used to chasing criminals than ghost hunting but a creepy apparition has given them cause for concern.

A ghostly woman's figure has been spotted at the force's Lewes headquarters during the evenings.

Perhaps if the sightings continue the force will call in a detective inspector to check out this spooky spectre.