I'm sure Simon Fanshawe has a sincere motive in his wish for city status (Argus, July 31). We share the desire to improve urban living but must differ on the method.

City status is an honorary title, given by royal mandate.

It has no legal weight in bidding for new money, only an impressive ring. Brighton draws party conferences year after year without being a city. Why? Because the politicians need a break from London.

We should take pride in our intimacy, not sideline it. "Two cool towns for the price of one!" You can have the slogan, for free.

Mr Fanshawe stresses the value of Hove but a city means one place to be. If differences are streamlined they become lost in time. History would be the judge and the verdict a harsh one.

-Peter Poole and Valerie Paynter, BASH!, PO Box 521, Hove