Benfield Valley is the only place in Hove where the Downs extend as far south as the main Old Shoreham Road.

Despite the building of the Hangleton Link Road and a Sainsbury's superstore, it has managed to remain a vital green lung for the people of Hove and Portslade.

But the valley is not as green as was intended when a planning agreement was signed that allowed the store to be built, subject to nearly all the rest of the valley remaining an open space.

Part of the land between the store and Hangleton Lane has been rather neglected and problems have been compounded by several visits from travellers who have left a mess.

Now Brighton and Hove Council, not before time, is preparing a vision for Benfield Valley that should ensure its future.

There's no reason why more sports pitches and fields could not be put on the land, provided that it remains primarily green.

Most of all it needs to be well used and well protected so that it does not degenerate into the squalid mess that has disfigured acres of it this year.

The valley's survival was a lucky accident. The council and local people should make the most of that good fortune and protect it.

Just do it well The takeover of parking enforcement by Brighton and Hove Council from the police cannot come soon enough.

Many motorists flout parking regulations with impunity because they know the chances of being caught by wardens are low. The resultant congestion is costing Brighton and Hove Buses alone £500,000 a year.

The council will have more incentive to be vigilant because, unlike the police, it will be able to keep the cash it raises through enforcement.

Now there's an argument over whether the new parking attendant and car pound system should be operated by the council or a private company.

The council has plumped for the private sector because it has the expertise.

Provided whoever runs the system runs it effectively, the people of Brighton and Hove will be happy.

You clever boy!

Former actor Ralph Harvey from Shoreham has found a new role late in life. He is a lookalike for Captain Mainwaring of Dad's Army.

With a collection of colleagues, he is accepting engagements up and down the country at carnivals, festivals and parades.

In real life, Ralph's nothing like the bumbling Mainwaring and is about to attempt a wing-walk, for which he should adopt the Dad's Army catchphrase 'Don't panic!'