I am grateful to English Nature and Steve Berry for championing the cause of the starlings at Brighton's West Pier.

The sight of these birds swooping at dusk is one of the glories of the city and is at least as much a part of our quality of life as any entertainment made available through the pier project.

I welcome Rachel Clark's statement that the West Pier Trust has "no intention of ignoring the needs of the starlings" (The Argus, October 31) but am very concerned at the qualification she gives.

I would argue that maintaining the benefits we have already in being able to witness the wonders of nature because of the West Pier should be as much part of the restoration programme - which she says is her main concern - as all the rest.

I shall be reminding the planning committee that one of the commitments signed up to in the sustainability strategy is to "maintain and improve the natural environment, habitats and species of Brighton and Hove and to ensure that everyone has access to green space of biodiversity value".

-Joyce Edmond-Smith, Convenor, Sustainability Commission, Brighton and Hove City Council