With the decision to reduce the aerial ladder cover in Brighton and Hove (The Argus, January 18), it may be of interest to know this type of ladder was first produced at the start of the 20th Century.

It was 85ft long, the maximum length for a wooden ladder, and at first was horse-drawn and elevated by hand. It was not long before motor vehicles were used to carry the ladders and power used to extend them.

Brighton had its first turntable in 1923, an 85ft model. By 1930, the use of steel made longer ladders possible.

The most popular were 30 metres but longer ones are available.

Hydraulic platforms first appeared in the late-Fifties and often replaced turntable ladders when they were retired.

For a long time, the Brighton ladder was the only aerial in Brighton and Hove and the appliance attended the fire at Hove Town Hall.

There have been times when extra aerials have been called for, on one occasion even from Reigate.

Worthing and Eastbourne have also attended on occasions. Hove received its hydraulic platform in 1977 and a replacement aerial ladder platform in 1997.

It would be a good idea to keep the surplus appliance as a spare for when the operational machine is off the run.

-RW Carden, Brighton