Rarely have I read such a farrago of nonsense as that penned by Simon Flacks comparing Brighton and Stoke (The Argus, May 3).

The real joke comes when he lists the supposed virtues of Brighton: "Vibrant, cosmopolitan, teeming with famous names."

Eh? Give me a break. C, D, E and F-list so-called "celebrities", more like.

I live within 20 miles of the place and none of us here knows any of this "rich culture" or urban chic. Please tell us more.

Why not admit the nightlife is monotonous, vulgar and over-priced?

Weekends are positively dangerous in under-policed Brighton, as the crime figures show.

Simon also seems to think the Palace Pier, in all its garishness, is something to be proud of. Oh, dear.

Sadly, since Brighton and Hove became a city, the former has been busy dragging the latter down to its own low level.

The city is filthy and boasts the worst schools in Sussex. The election results mean things are likely to get worse as an unholy coalition of Labour, Lib Dems and Greens ends up in control.

If you want a classy resort on the South Coast, look no further than Bournemouth. If you want a really interesting place, no city comes close to Portsmouth.

I'm sorry, Brighton, as a near neighbour I have to say you just don't have it.

In the Fifties, yes, but not now - and at least Stoke has a decent stadium.

-Jo Jackson, Littlehampton