Liz Lee and Marina Baker (Letters, January 27) choose to ignore the basic facts of asylum-seekers being lodged in Saltdean. They dismiss the inability of the infrastructure to cope.

They ignore the favouritism being offered to these people when we are repeatedly told there is no money for the NHS, pensioners and schools. They ignore the poor health of many of the asylum-seekers and the risk this would bring. They should research the effect asylum-seekers would have on house prices locally.

How will Saltdean residents know if the proposed initial numbers are maintained? The Grand Ocean Hotel is hardly likely to broadcast this information. Would anyone be surprised if holidaymakers stay away from a hotel that houses asylum-seekers? What will the effect be? The logical conclusion is the hotel will make more rooms available for more of these people.

The majority of local residents are united in their feelings, as was demonstrated outside the Grand Ocean Hotel and at the Community Centre.

All parties accept communication with residents has been appalling. Des Turner has gone on record as saying he will keep us informed. We await hearing from him.

-G Griffin, Saltdean Drive, Saltdean