Funding for road-improvement schemes comes from the Government (Letters, Derek Hillier, February 8). The Floral Clock scheme opposite Palmeira Square is no exception.

The aim is to improve the environment, especially for pedestrians, who currently have difficulty getting to the gardens as they are cut off by a busy road.

"Build-outs" into the road and accessible bus stops make it much easier and safer for everyone to get around and are of particular benefit to those with mobility difficulties or pushchairs.

Investment in transport is being used to bring further reductions in traffic, improve road safety and air quality and to provide residents and visitors with travel alternatives to the car.

Brighton and Hove was named Transport Authority of the Year 2005, as well as becoming a "cycling demonstration" town. Both these things recognise the achievements in improving transport infrastructure and facilities in the city.

We have successfully bid for more than £30 million for transport improvements in the past five years.

This, and the fact some of the cost of borrowing transport money is offset by the parking income surplus, minimises the cost to council taxpayers.

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I read your article about the proposals by local Green councillors' for mini wind turbines to be placed on the city's rooftops with interest (The Argus, February 9).

Renewable energy schemes are extremely important and should be a top priority for Brighton and Hove City Council. In this case, however, I hope it proceeds with caution.

have doubts as to their effectiveness. For a wind turbine to work well, it needs to be sited on a high pole or tower on a site where wind blows regularly and smoothly - well away from buildings or trees, which break the flow of wind.

The companies marketing these new products claim they work well and that their advanced design means they overcome these limitations, but the proof is in the pudding.

Many experts - people who would have a lot to gain if microturbines turned out to be a winner - realistically believe these devices will only save the average household a sixth of its annual electricity bill, at the most, rather than a third, as your article stated.

If this is true, the council would be well advised to install just one or two and monitor them for a year or so.

Money put aside for renewable energy could perhaps be better spent on solar-powered water-heating systems - a proven and cost-effective technology - or on installing wind turbines in more appropriate rural locations.

-Dan England, Brighton