As a resident of the North Laine, I felt I had to write in support of the traders who are currently in dispute with Brighton and Hove City Council over certain signs, mostly in Gardner Street.

Your comment section (The Argus, July 30) hit the nail on the head when it mentioned that the North Laine is a particular area which thrives on its diversity and bohemian reputation.

On the one hand, the council is happy to use this reputation to publicise the North Laine as one of Brighton's charms, yet on the other, it would like to stifle that diversity by compelling shop owners to dismantle the very things which make this area so different.

The council seems only too happy to penalise traders who are trying to make the North Laine a vibrant and interesting place to be and yet it is unable, or unwilling, to pursue certain traders who open premises as cafes without planning permission.

As you say in your comment section, the best way forward is to strike the right balance of quirkiness within the context of this conservation area.

When businesses seem to be failing with alarming regularity in the North Laine, the council should be offering support and encouragement to traders rather than penalising them for trying to earn a living in these difficult times.

-Jackie Crew, Brighton