The Argus has reported on the interest in hiving off allotments for use in building development which would, of course, assist Brighton and Hove City Council's expansionist drive.

We are told by 2008 the population is expected to rise by 27,000 to 277,000 and it is needed for the area's financial viability.

All this is very interesting. On May 28, 1998, the then chairman of the parks committee, Councillor Simon Battle, wrote in The Argus "we have no intention...building on allotment sites" and called them "a valuable resource for many families which add interest and variety to the landscape.

They have played an important role in Britain's history but I believe they also have a bright future here in Brighton and Hove."

Not any more, they don't. Sadly, the creation of the Brighton and Hove unitary authority cancelled our right to call on the "underspend" from other Sussex council areas to bolster spending needs in the city.

So now more tax is needed from more taxpayers within the unitary authority and desperate searches for places to pile people in cancel Mr Battle and the council's former policy position.

Everyone's quality of life is reduced as a consequence.

This is the price of city status. Worth it? Anticipated? Coun Battle's letter of 1998 suggests not.

-Valerie Paynter, The Drive, Hove