A late change that smells

The long-running public inquiry into new sewage treatment works at Portobello, Telscombe Cliffs, has shown the strength of local opposition to Southern Water's proposals.

But the crucial question has always been whether there are any better alternative sites for dealing with Brighton and Hove's sewage given that improvements to sea water are vital.

East Sussex county councillors will be invited today to say that sites at Newhaven would attract significantly less objection.

That may be true but it's a little late in the day to say so many weeks after the inquiry started hearing evidence.

Portobello has been used for sewage since Victorian times.

Transporting sewage to Newhaven would cost more and might also blight plans for economic regeneration in the port.

It's now up to the inquiry inspector and the Government to make the final decision on the scheme and they'll need a lot of convincing evidence before they prefer Newhaven to Portobello.

The final credits

Many cinema-goers will wipe away a tear tomorrow night when the last films are shown at the ABC cinema in East Street, Brighton.

Opened more than 70 years old as one of England's premier picture palaces, the cinema is now in a sad and sorry state.

The good news is that millions of pounds will be spent on restoring the building so that it houses a casino, restaurants and bars.

But it's doubtful if this will ever secure such a place in the hearts of Brightonians as the old ABC.

Generation game

Lottie Trubridge has the best possible help for her starring role in Bugsy Malone at Haywards Heath next month.

For her mother Tracey was in the 1976 screen version alongside Jodie Foster and Scott Baio.

But Tracey insists she'll never force her daughter into showbiz or send her to stage school as acting should be fun.

So even if Lottie's a huge success at the production in Clair Hall, she'll just keep mum.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.