I lived in Kemp Town for a number of years and now reside in Peacehaven, which I still refer to as part of Brighton.

The other day, I parked my car near the marina on Brighton seafront and walked the whole length of Marine Parade to the West Pier. I just could not believe what I was seeing.

Starting off with Marine Parade, what on earth does Brighton and Hove City Council think it is doing or, I should say, not doing?

The front is so run down and dirty with paint peeling from the lovely Victorian arches and weeds growing everywhere.

The Peter Pan playground is a disgrace, the pavements are littered with rubbish and the whole place is like a bomb site.

What impression must people get when they see all of this?

Then on to the West Pier and the beach huts next to it. These could be made to look really nice and become a feature but are they?

Not on your life. They are neglected, run down and in a terrible state.

Then there is the children's paddling pool - empty. Years ago, it rang to the sound of children laughing and enjoying themselves.

Of course, there is the West Pier itself. I will never forgive the council for letting this beautiful pier just rust away.

I remember, years ago, seeing shows in the theatre, mainly old-time music hall. It was a wonderful majestic work of art and, at one time, was the better of the two piers.

What on earth is the council thinking about?

To crown it all, the streets are in a terrible state with dirty pavements. Where are the street cleaners?

I have lived here for 25 years and when I moved here from Slough, it was a lovely place. What a different story now.

Before that, I used to visit the place often and have some very happy memories. I am sure the memories of people returning home from Brighton now are not the same as I had.

Today I went to the Brighton Museum and saw some wonderful films of old Brighton. As they say, "Those were the days."

-Brian Eames, Peacehaven