I sympathise with the parents who felt let down by the "shenanigans"

at the recent schools committee meeting.

They are presenting a legitimate argument which affects their lives in Brighton and Hove.

I recently attended a couple of meetings of the environmental committee, presenting information which highlighted the fact car rental companies were parking up to 40 vehicles on a daily basis in Wish ward.

This impacts on residents' lives and as a result I may end up paying £80 for a residental parking permit because of car rental companies' inconsiderate action.

I put my question across and was utterly amazed by the lack of debate and, more importantly, ideas from the floor.

I received a bland answer from the chair which did nothing to alleviate my concerns. When I asked if I could present other research I had undertaken regarding this issue, I was told no.

This last incident surprised me as in my view I was offering something the committee seldom receives, namely good local evidence upon which to build policy. I now have to submit an individual letter to every committee member.

At the same meeting, a petition of more than 400 signatures was presented against a local skate park yet the work is going ahead.

Where is public debate and where is democracy?

Like most of the parents in your article, these were my first experiences of council meetings and I was, like them, totally unimpressed by what I saw.

I would encourage more people to attend council meetings in Brighton and Hove and to submit questions.

Local councillors are accountable to the people they represent.

Tom Cunliffe, Kingsway, Hove