THE somewhat dramatic headline in respect of theft of lead and copper from Madeira Terrace roofs (The Argus, January 3), reiterated in your comment “It’s a crime against the city” should really be directed at Brighton Borough Council.

Brighton Borough Council, over the last 50 years, has perpetuated “crimes against our city” in their failure to protect our heritage at the expense of ridiculous vanity/money wasting projects.

The council’s crimes include failing to protect and restore Madeira Terrace, the West Pier, the destruction of the West Pier children’s paddling pool, Black Rock seaside lido, the poor state of our recreational parks/and seafront east of the Brighton Pier.

They also missed the opportunity of locating Brighton Marina at another proposed location in Kemp Town, which would have made this attraction more easily accessible from Brighton and not in its current “out of town” position.

And let’s not even mention the King Alfred/Brighton Centre fiascos that continue to be “discussed” but never actioned?

However, the council feel justified in spending huge sums of money on the “doomed I360 pole”, the nonsensical Valley Gardens project, the Old Shoreham Road/The Drive pointless cycle lanes and so forth.

As a Brightonian, I consider it is our Council that are “guilty” of a “crime against our city” (in your words).

Paul Johnston, Middleton Avenue, Hove