I often visit an old friend in Marlborough House which is in Warrior Square, St Leonard's.

This is an excellent complex which includes flats for the elderly and disabled, a cafe where they can obtain meals at reasonable prices, a library and at least two separate lounges where they can play board games and other activities.

It was designed and built under the auspices of the Chichester Diocesan Housing Association and is the finest complex for the elderly and disabled I have ever seen. The residents also have carers on the premises to see to their every need.

Would this not be a good use for the old, derelict bingo hall in Portland Road, Hove? It is situated very near shops and doctors' surgeries. There is an excellent bus service into central Hove and Brighton and there are also a number of churches within walking distance.

Such a complex would be acceptable to local residents, would not need many parking spaces and could obtain funding from central Government and even the European Union.

-Rev John Webster, Hove