As a corollary to the article on the revamping of George Street, Hove (The Argus, August 9), may I mention the question of refuse collection vehicles in the street?

Because there is no access for these vehicles on the east side of George Street, they have always had to drive into the street itself. In a narrowish street such as this, there was already a problem of insanitariness and unpleasant mess before the street was revamped.

Now, of course, George Street has taken on a more continental air and ten cafes (including the new GoodBean) have put their chairs and tables outside.

About two weeks ago, on a hot, sunny day, the street was bustling with people and the terraces were very busy. No less than three collection vehicles were in the street at about 10am, one of which parked itself about a yard from the table where I was having coffee with a friend. The stench was really foul, for the rear of the vehicles is open. Later, at about 12.15pm, I noted a fourth vehicle had stopped for about 25 minutes between the Lion d'Or and Weatherspoons pub and the emanating smell was as bad as the other three mentioned.

Obviously, one must be sympathetic to the problems arising from commerce which has expanded in a street not designed originally for that purpose but if George Street is to become truly the "flagship" street of Hove, something has to be done to overcome a problem affecting sanitation and amenities.

-D H G Lyon, Fourth Avenue, Hove