As a transport economist, it’s nonsense to suggest Brighton losing out from HS2 being built north of London (“HS2 could cost Brighton and Hove £6m”, The Argus, March 26).

It’s a distraction for this city from the enormous damage that will be done if the Government and Network Rail don’t invest properly in the Brighton main line.

Among the most congested lines in Europe, we’ve reached the maximum length for trains and platforms, and have filled every last train path. There’s no more space to fill.

Unless the Government and Network Rail start investing properly in upgrading the line, not patching and mending, the only option will be to stop overcrowding by pricing people out – bad for commuters, tourists, businesses and Gatwick.

With the local economy and many local livelihoods reliant on commuting, it’s time local politicians took this more seriously. Once you lose your competitiveness with bad transport connections, it takes generations to recover – just ask Worthing and Hastings.

Alistair Dalby, Kings Road, Brighton