Once known in your paper as the Sage of Sussex, Adam Trimingham appears to have abdicated.

His view that a Greater Brighton swallowing up various tinpot local councils might be of great benefit to all (The Argus, January 3) hardly squares with reality.

Almost on the day his article appeared, the letters page listed many examples of how city services have failed: Brighton has become the drug capital of the UK, aggressive begging is a problem, and it appears it is not advisable to venture out alone at night.

Under Adam's plan, Greater Brighton would be free to place incinerators, recycling facilities, football stadia and crazy architectural monstrosities anywhere it chose its current failings would only be magnified.

I am far from being a total supporter of the Lewes District Council but am glad I live within its tinpot area and only visit Brighton when I must.

I have known Brighton and have fond memories of the past, the Regent and Syd Dean's Band, the fine cinemas, the Hippodrome and much more and, believe me: "it ain't what it used to be."

Brian Beck
Highdown Road, Lewes