I find the political row over neighbourhood forums puzzling.

Paul Elgood seems to believe the Liberals Democrats invented them and claims opposition from the Tories and Labour to setting them up.

This is far from the truth.

Forums will spring up where people want them. They need not cost a lot of money and do not need to be part of a council structure.

In fact, there are advantages to being independent.

We had an effective Bevendean Community Forum which enabled residents to plan the children's playground and obtain a mobile library.

A Moulsecoomb Community Forum is to be launched at 12.30pm on Wednesday, May 1, at The Bridge (Falmer School, South Wing).

Its aim is to co-ordinate the various groups in the area and give a voice to all the people who live or work there.

I do not want to waste time with political bickering.

Let us get on with the job and let each neighbourhood work to make a better life for everyone.

-Councillor Francis Tonks, Wykeham Terrace, Brighton