When I first moved to Kemp Town I was impressed by the community spirit – but now I’m beginning to wonder where some of it has gone.

I do quite a bit of my basic shopping in St George’s Road where they are not just traders but over the years have become friends. Almost all are helpful, pleasant and often go out of their way to assist some of the most elderly residents who shop there.

So can the organisers of the carnival please explain why they consistently refuse the traders’ request to move the carnival to a Bank Holiday Monday? As Saturday is one of the most busy and remunerative days, they have – since I moved here in 2007 – lost trading, which in these current times they can ill afford to do.

So come on carnival organisers, show that the goodwill which Brighton is famous for is not missing here.

Mrs B Rittman, Somerset Street, Brighton