I AM shocked by the selfishness of those who want to keep Madeira Drive closed to visitors.

Don’t they understand that they live in a seaside resort which is partly dependent on visitors for its living?

Would they go on holiday to a destination where they clearly weren’t welcome and one obstacle after another was put in their way?

What kind of review would they give such a destination on Trip Advisor?

When you live in a seaside resort, your city belongs to everyone who visits, not just a few locals on bicycles.

Living by the sea is a privilege, not a right.

Moreover Madeira Drive is probably one of the most famous roads in England, hosts events which people come from all over the world to attend, and has featured in many films including Quadrophenia (whose 40th birthday we celebrated only last September).

It is also the place where coaches park and give city hotels overnight business and disabled individuals park to access the Palace Pier.

Did our council really believe they could close Madeira Drive permanently with no one noticing?

It is not even used as a through road by most people, but as a destination and hang out for mods and bikers.

With student numbers set to drop for the foreseeable future, we need to focus on attracting tourists more than ever and that means opening everything we can, restoring Madeira Terrace, which in itself will re-open more pedestrian spaces and taking a pride in our seafront, which is looking increasingly like a dog’s dinner these days.

And in the absence of comprehensive public transport accessible to all, all forms of transport need to be facilitated as sensibly as possible.

If Brighton and Hove City Council really cared about people’s health and safety it would be using the extra government funding it has received to provide decent and plentiful toilets on the seafront and in the city.

While the cleaners do their best, our toilets are an absolute disgrace and not at all hygienic to use in a post Covid environment.

Since it is unlikely the i360 will be a success upon reopening, I suggest the building should be used for world-class toilets, shower rooms and changing facilities, which would benefit not only visitors, but walkers and cyclists too.

The building could also house a new Tourist Information Centre and left luggage office, which Brighton and Hove has pathetically lost.

Meanwhile, please sign the petition here and let’s get Madeira Drive re-opened for all users before our traders close down forever (and no, they can’t survive on occasional business from events only) . See https://present.brighton-hove.gov.uk/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?ID=694&RPID=35861983&HPID=35861983

LS King Brunswick Street East Hove