'Brighton is a shadow of what it used to be'

The question is, what is there on offer for these visitors? The answer has to be - not a lot!

The dirty pavements are plagued with cycles, electric scooters, beggars, noisy drunks and unlicensed secret traders.

If one goes down to the beach, it resembles a landfill site. What a difference from a generation ago when Brighton could boast twenty one cinemas, several theatres, dance halls and a music hall.

There was also the magnificent Sports Stadium which had a large ice rink and of course the famous Brighton Tigers. This was a facility that the local council promised to be rebuilt after the building was demolished. Never another word.

Air pollution was a lot less due to the town having electric trolley buses.

The eastern seafront had a children’s playground called Peter Pan’s, always very popular. At Black Rock there was an Art Deco swimming and paddling pool, alas now all gone.

This is now used for flytippers and for travellers camping, what a mess.

The well-know seafront arches are an eyesore, going rusty with parts collapsing and now fenced off. Work needs to be done now otherwise it will become another West Pier, a rusty hulk.

Coach visitors end up in Pool Valley, the worst coach station in the country by far.

If any visitor wants help or advice, they would have to look hard to find a policeman, a rare breed these days.

If the visitors need a toilet, that will be another puzzle, where are they?

The famous old Brighton has disappeared and we are left with a shadow of what it used to be. Brighton is a holiday resort in name only, sadly.

Visitors bringing their vehicles to Brighton will get a shock when they see the parking charges, probably the highest in this country outside of Westminster.

I have been a Brightonian for more than 80 years, being brought up during the Second World War. I was also involved in public service in Brighton.

I think most of my generation would agree.

Alan Dart

Hove