It is about time that Brighton and Hove Council got a grip on the problem of lifts breaking down in the blocks of flats that it is responsible for managing.

There have been many incidents in the past two years where there have been problems and delays in repairing lifts of which the flats at Mayflower Square are just the latest (Argus, August 13).

It is not acceptable that these lifts are continually out of order, causing problems for residents and visitors throughout the city.

I appreciate that some of these lifts are fairly old and that it is sometimes difficult to source the correct parts for them.

I am also aware that there is supposed to be a programme for improving lifts but this doesn’t include all blocks and there is also some controversy about who is funding replacement lifts.

The council must do more to source spare parts, ensure that there is a store of supplies and liaise with other housing providers, including local councils elsewhere in the country, who might operate similar systems to ensure that these lifts are fixed as soon as possible.

It is scandalous that residents are left without a decent service and it is particularly difficult for older people, those with young children, disabled people and those with injuries.

I have written to the council about this and hope that they will act on the many concerns that have been expressed about this issue.

This matter certainly needs elevating in the council’s list of priorities.

Rob Heale, Chatham Place, Brighton

WHO NEEDS THIS STATION?

Surely Brighton does not have to be dragged into the 21st century? – Albion fans stuck in old Brighton terminus train station queues. The Argus, August 12.

The Brighton line could be terminated at Preston Park station connected to the city rapid transport and the existing Preston Park direct railway link to Hove station retained.

Beautiful Brighton station could be converted into an international conference centre and arts centre? Who needs a terminus train station wasting space in the centre of a modern city.

Also vital is to link future international Hove station track direct on to the Brighton railway viaduct for passengers and freight trains from Europe, China and the Far East, along the south coast railway for the future of Sussex and the Seagulls.

John Stanaway, Lorna Road, Hove

I AM FIGHTING FOR PARKING

I agree with Mike Williams who expresses disbelief at the ‘parking blitz success’ (Argus letters August 12) on the pavement outside the King Alfred Centre.

I took a petition on this issue to the council’s transport committee last year, and they agreed to monitor the taxi rank to check whether it was used.

I heard from officers in May that they have monitored the taxi rank and are satisfied it is not in use. Their plan is to advertise a change of the bay to a shared resident permit and pay & display with four-hour limited bays, which will provide a legal alternative to the current pavement parking.

It also means it will be more or less impossible to park on the pavement, and enforcement action can be taken if required.

The traffic order is due to be advertised in November and I hope to see implementation shortly afterwards.

Councillor Andrew Wealls, Central Hove (Conservative)

DON'T PRIVATISE THE NHS

People in this country are rightly proud of the NHS, and many are angry at the creeping privatisation now being introduced. The service will be further threatened if a trade deal currently being negotiated with the US goes ahead.

The EU-US trade deal aims to open both healthcare and education up to competition by American companies.

Under the deal, a future UK government could also find itself being sued for billions of pounds if it attempts to reverse NHS privatisation measures.

The government of Slovakia has already been sued for reversing the privatisation of its own health system.

Public health and education are essential for a fair society, and we must not let the government sign away our rights to these services.

There is a growing campaign against the deal, organised by a variety of groups including the World Development Movement, and I hope readers will join me in supporting it.

Helen Davitt, Cornwall Court, Hove

IT IS TOO COSTLY

I am a disabled person and yesterday my companion and I went to the Theatre Royal Brighton to see Rock of Ages.

We had to park in the NCP as there was no free disabled parking.

I fell over in the theatre and was only able to see 20 minutes of the show as my foot started swelling.

The staff were brilliant and looked after me while my companion got the car.

But I was made to feel worse when she told me it had cost £8 to park for two hours and I didn’t even see the show.

Going to Brighton is so expensive.

Susie Arlett, Priory Court ,Mountfield Road, Brighton