I TOTALLY agree with Ian Hunt (Letters March 5th) that any attempt to rebuild the rickety old Victorian arches would be a total waste of money and a lost opportunity to make some money out of a useful site.

The arches and walkways have always been very expensive to maintain and if they are rebuilt, they will probably deteriorate very quickly again. In modern times the raised walkway has always been underused and neglected and doesn’t really serve any purpose. The underwalk is dirty and smells. It only looks nice from a distance.

I would like to see the council build some fine modern houses with glass fronts and modern materials designed to withstand the prevailing conditions. Have the ground floor as parking and the living quarters raised up on columns to avoid any flooding. The council could rent these properties out to holidaymakers at a substantial weekly rent.

Part of the site could be used as a homeless shelter and maybe some council housing too.

Peter Davies

Surrenden Park

Brighton