In response to Bill Grant (Letters, February 10), drugs and drug-related violence is not just a problem for St James's Street but affects our community as a whole.

If there was a magic formula or simple solution then someone somewhere would have found it.

We must be tough on the pushers and dealers who destroy so many young lives but we must give hope to those who are caught up in the web of degradation spun by the drug barons.

Our schools must have powerful programmes spelling out the horrors of addiction.

For those who have fallen into the trap, we have to provide understanding and rehabilitation. The police and other agencies are working hard on our behalf and they need our support, not criticism.

Mr Grant is big on blame but short on ideas.

-Ken Bodfish, leader, Brighton and Hove City Council