The letter from Councillor Bowden (The Argus, June 5) regarding the so-called “Edward Street Quarter” shows an absence of vision, an inability to see beyond immediate headlines and a lack of understanding of the needs of our community.

Unfortunately the comments from Coun Bowden also ignore the reality of what is proposed.

The planning brief states the aim is “to create a dynamic commercial district which is attractive as a first-class business and residential destination”.

Yet Coun Bowden states: “Some shops or commercial premises may be acceptable as part of the redevelopment of the Amex site.”

The document ignores St James’s Street and, by creating a commercial district without considering the needs of businesses and residents in the St James’s Street and Kemp Town area, will be a danger to the economic viability and social cohesion of our community.

The “Better Bus Areas” proposals reinforce this lack of vision by ignoring the pollution and congestion we currently endure and even propose changes which will increase bus traffic on our streets generally and St James’s Street in particular.

Both developments must be opposed until the area is looked at in a comprehensive way, with the long-term needs of our community paramount.

Ideas for improvement from the community must be considered.

£5,820,000 is earmarked for the Edward Street “Better Bus Areas” scheme yet in a letter to us from Councillor Phelim Mac Cafferty it is emphasised there is no funding available to examine, yet alone implement, improvements to St James’s Street or the surrounding area.

David Spafford, St James’s Community Action Group