It would appear David Gold (Opinion, April 19) has opened a hornets' nest in daring to speak of travellers in Brighton.

I do hope, unlike those politicians being blackmailed into signing race pledges, he will not be silenced by the likes of previous correspondents who have used nasty innuendoes.

I have been verbally abused by travellers while walking my dogs and didn't bother reporting it to the police - I thought they'd have more important things to do.

But on speaking to neighbours and friends, this was not unique. Many of us have been faced with aggressive and nasty behaviour and it is not acceptable.

Mr Gold strikes a reasonable balance between seizing on the issues local people feel angry about and doing so in a manner which is not inflammatory. He is a breath of fresh air and, like N Hannan (Opinion, April 25), I am sure it will stand him in good stead.

-Andrea Burnes, Carden Hill, Brighton