In response to your article on the removal of graffiti at Tarner Park (The Argus, January 23), to suggest that Brighton and Hove City Council "unleashed graffiti artists to redecorate their park" 18 months ago is misleading. Tarner Park has in fact been a tolerated graffiti zone since the Eighties.

During the past year the council and local groups, such as the Friends of Tarner Park, have tried to work with the artists to strike a balance between the needs of local residents for a park and playground, and the needs of the artists for space.

However, the continued additional tagging of play equipment and buildings proved that such a balance was impossible to achieve.

Although local graffiti artists have been understanding about these conflicting needs and have often been observed showing respect for the play equipment in the park, the fact that many of the artists came from outside Brighton has made it impossible to remedy the situation.

Many local residents will miss the vibrancy of the graffiti in the park - some of which has been superb over the years. Many also look forward to having a playground that is fume free and safe to use.

The council has been very supportive in helping to establish the Friends of Tarner Park group, which has already run some very successful events in the park such as making bird and bat boxes, gardening days and sports programmes. Over the summer weekends, residents ran a tea bar with low cost refreshments.

During 2008 we are planning to run more such events in co-operation with the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, Active for Life and the Tarner Youth Project.

Importantly there is real commitment to continue the creative spirit of Tarner Park through new art projects and activities.

  • Gwyn Chanlewis, Lizzie Bell and Deborah Owen Friends of Tarner Park