Mrs M D Jones clearly isn't a business owner in Brighton. If she was she would applaud the council for granting £26,000 to Pride in Brighton and Hove for its core costs to help ensure the organisation has longevity.

More than £4 million is spent over the Pride weekend by residents and visitors, you cannot get a hotel room for love nor money - many are fully booked by January - and the restaurants and bars are packed and not just the gay ones.

Pride thanks the council executive for enabling us to employ someone to develop the Festival rather than having to struggle by with volunteers. Well done to all at the town hall for your support. We are proud of you, even if Mrs Jones isn't.

-David Harvey, Chairman, Pride in Brighton and Hove