I agree with David Rowland (Letters, April 11). Brighton has a character all of its own through its architecture and history and it is such a pity it is being allowed to fall into disrepair.

I often go on days out with Brighton and Hove buses and have been to many towns and cities where I was very impressed with the way their statues and monuments were kept clean and presentable.

When back home, Brighton looked like it had been abandoned for years. Its war memorial is in need of repair (parts are crumbling) and a few coats of paint.

The statue of Queen Victoria is no better; poor lady, she looks like a reject from the workhouse – dirty and scruffy. I do not know why she is holding out her hand – probably asking money for a clean dress.

As for Victoria Gardens itself, for years people have been marking out informal footpaths, always in the same places and always going in the same direction. So why not formalise them? It would look a lot better.

There are many things which need to be done but, no, we are going to waste millions of pounds on the i360, which will probably be no more lucrative than the ferris wheel we have when the money could be spent on the things mentioned above.

People used to come to Brighton for its architecture and atmosphere but they are hardly likely to come here to see a city which is becoming derelict.

JS Marten, Roundhill Crescent, Brighton