There is no reason why raising funds for a memorial to those who have died from HIV/Aids in Brighton and Hove and raising funds to support those with HIV/Aids should be mutually exclusive.

Indeed, raising money for and creating a memorial can only help draw attention to the needs of those with HIV/Aids in the city and support the campaign for the reinstatement of Government spending cuts in this important area of health care.

It could also help raise charitable funding for support services provided by organisations such as the Terence Higgins Trust and Body Positive.

The community must, of course, be consulted about the initiative.

I hope it will share my view that raising a memorial would bring benefits all round.

Bill Randall
Green councillor for
Hanover and Elm Grove