It could only happen in Brighton and Hove - newly-laid asphalt melting on steps to the lower esplanade because the wrong type of asphalt was used (The Argus, August 28).

The very hot weather we had recently was blamed for this but angry traders have been left counting the cost to their businesses as it was the last busy week of the summer for most of them.

My heart goes out to them.

These steps at the bottom of West Street are the busiest in the city as they are the main access from the train station down to the lower esplanade.

-Steve Fuller, Hove