The general appearance of Brighton and Hove has greatly deteriorated, especially the seafront.

Madeira Drive used to be a pleasure to walk along and the beautiful terrace, with its show of lovely flowers and shrubs and good, clean seats, is now a haven for motorbikes, cyclists and cars which race along the whole stretch.

The Steine used to be a beautiful sight, with its well-maintained lawns, beautiful borders of flowers and the fountain with its lovely spray. It is now just an eyesore in the summer with people squatting all over the lovely lawns without any regard. The Palace Pier is just like Blackpool, with gangs of noisy teenagers.

I dread reading about the number of elderly people being attacked in the city. We never see a policeman and these young hooligans should be punished more severely and given the birch or put into the army. It is becoming frightening even to go shopping. What a wicked world we are living in.

-J Hadley, Eastern Road, Brighton