Brighton and Hove City Council should be ashamed to read a national feature “Booze Brides Of Britain” (The Daily Mail, June 6), highlighting the tacky hen night culture in Brighton and the associated violence and disorder, further tarnishing our reputation.

Of course, it shouldn’t require a national newspaper to break the story because the problems are plain to see for anyone who has ever ventured into the centre on a weekend.

But the article only paints a picture of these issues being concentrated in a small, highly-policed area of the city – West Street.

The reality for many residents is that late-night drinking and anti-social behaviour has been encouraged across the city.

Pub and club licences have been extended over recent years without any apparent strategy.

When will the council start to tackle the problem in all areas of the city so we’re not seen as an Ibiza-like party town where anything goes?

Surely, the cost in policing, healthcare, litter and vandalism outweighs the benefits of attracting such drinkers?

Miles Bingham, Sackville Gardens, Hove

LIKE most, I used to see the actions of some young women on hen nights around Brighton and think “yuck”.

As time went on, my viewpoint has developed – real, warm, female camaraderie and love exists in these groups.

I have seen them get out of their cars on immediately arriving in Brighton, take their suitcases into a hotel and re-emerge with the bride-to-be leading the way in a veil. I think it’s sweet.

I have seen the planning, time, effort and money they put into shopping for foodstuffs for the occasion and you can see that it has been intelligently put together by intelligent women.

There is a method and warmth in the madness.

When you look at the ribald and coarse jokes, they are actually quite funny and aimed at society’s take on traditional issues. They break taboos, are audacious, and will crack you up with laughter if you look beneath them.

Just look at their clothes. Each girl has something on that gives her that individualism and sense of fun.

The tradition of hen parties is becoming quite an interesting landmark in history.

Here in the UK, there is not much that is traditional any more, and these hen parties are developing into something quite beautiful and female.

Economically, hen parties bring a lot of money into Brighton – to the hotels, supermarkets, clubs, taxis and, most of all, they bring a bright smile to the lips of passers-by witnessing their antics and jokes.

Most of all, the girls are having fun and celebrating a woman’s important transition from being a single girl to married woman.

Surely that is something to commemorate in a loud and memorable way?

Jennie Orwell, Sussex Square, Kemp Town

GREEN councillor Ben Duncan is reported as telling The Argus (June 7), with regard to hen parties: “The important thing is that any set of visitors to the city respect the neighbourhoods in which they find themselves, that they do not contribute to crime and disorder or public nuisance, and we will do anything we can to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

Would this be the same Coun Duncan who supports the campsite in the Old Steine?

And the same who would like Brighton and Hove to become the protest centre of Europe with all the crime and disorder the relevant visitors might bring in their wake?

At least, presumably, hen parties boost the city’s economy.

David Cole, Queens Park Road, Brighton

FIRSTLY, I would like to personally thank the 688 people in the Hangleton and Knoll ward who voted for me on May 5.

To get such a result as a first-time independent candidate is unprecedented, showing what can be achieved by being a Christian and working tirelessly for the community for over 11 years.

Moving on, I have my wedding to look forward to on August Bank Holiday Sunday at the beautiful St Andrew’s Church in Waterloo Street, in Hove.

It will be the first wedding there in nearly two decades.

So, after reading The Argus (June 8), I cannot contain myself any longer over thoughts to curb hen and stag parties.

I have never heard anything so ridiculous.

I for one will be having mine in the greatest city on Earth. Watch them try to stop me.

Jo Heard, Elm Drive, Hove

I WOULD like to reassure Mr Rolfe, “Is it time to tame these wild hens and stags?” (The Argus, June 9), that the council’s licensing policy does not facilitate hen and stag parties and that we are keen to ensure our policy addresses local concerns.

Hen and stag parties are not a licensable activity and the council does not promote them.

Our licensing policy is shaped by local people and currently under review, so we welcome residents’ views.

The policy has been reviewed three times and has become tougher as a result of input from the community.

Residents can also raise concerns about specific problems at the Licensing Committee and make representations to the licensing panels about individual licences.

We are acutely aware of the health impact of alcohol in the city and disappointed the Government’s recent review of licensing rules didn’t add “public health” as something we could take into account when considering new applications.

As a council we are committed to rebalancing local decisions so that residents get a louder voice in the process, trying to learn from good practice elsewhere in the country.

Councillor Ben Duncan, cabinet member for communities, equalities and public protection, Brighton and Hove City Council