Town centre shopping in Brighton and Hove is dying, thanks in part to the prohibitively expensive car parking fees, an incomprehensible traffic management system and dirty and unreliable public transport.

Is it any wonder internet banking and online shopping is booming?

Shopping from the comfort of one's own home saves money on car parking fees, saves time, saves the hassle of walking along the filth-ridden streets of Brighton and gives the consumer access to a far greater choice of products.

The result of the internet, as we are already seeing, is the demise of the High Street as even large chains, such as Next, Marks & Spencer, Asda, Tesco and others are increasing their online sales.

It is only a matter of time before our High Streets will be devoid of shops altogether.

To avoid this situation, our council should be actively encouraging shoppers into Brighton by reducing parking charges, introducing a coherent traffic policy, whereby access to Brighton is made easier, and by providing incentives to small traders.

-Melvyn Lawes, Woodingdean