A notice in Hove Town Hall said it would be closed for eight-and-a-half days, from lunchtime on December 24 until the morning of January 2.

Fortunately, my local supermarket is not following suit.

It obviously believes it provides a public service and therefore needs to be open most of the time.

What a pity they don't have this belief at the Town Hall.

-Trevor Pateman, Dolphin Court, Hove