Councillor Edmond-Smith raised the matter of the financial implications of Brighton and Hove City Council land being used for the proposed stadium (The Argus, July 2). In February 1999, I wrote to council raising identical concerns and I asked, if the proposed scheme went ahead, would the land be sold at current market value or leased to the football club at an economic rent?

I received a reply to the effect that, if the Falmer site was agreed, any proposals for the sale or lease to the club would have to be approved by the district auditor and it would need to be shown the council had obtained the best financial advantage and had acted according to the law.

Councillor Middleton stated publicly (Letters, April 26) that the council was to donate "millions of pounds worth of land". Has the council sought and obtained government approval for the action? If so, it is a very well kept secret. If not, Coun Middleton should publicly retract his statement. Could the council, through its chief executive, please clarify the situation?

-J A Killick, Oakdene Avenue, Portslade