Although I generally welcome the latest development of Brighton Marina, the term marina seems to exist more and more in name only.

The boats are not visible at all from the central road, leaving some visitors to think they are simply in the middle of a shopping and restaurant area.

Next, parking in the multi-storey car park is to be limited to four hours, leaving anyone going out for a sail nowhere to leave a car for longer.

Lastly, the plans include a bridge across the entrance. Unless that is to be high enough for any yacht to pass under at any time, the obstruction caused to a yacht seeking refuge in rough weather might well put its occupants at some risk, even if it can be opened at very short notice.

One notable feature of the marina in rough weather is the way incoming waves meet those bouncing back off the outer walls, creating a pretty uncomfortable ride outside the entrance.

The bridge plans need to be properly thought through to ensure vessels are not stuck outside in such conditions in the event of, say, a breakdown in any opening mechanism.

Brighton Marina is an enjoyable place to sail into but it must remain precisely that and not descend further into just a pretty front for endless property development.

-Tony Titchener, Seaford