STEVE BELL is correct when he says that the current council leadership are quick to blame central government for the local council’s budget when their own mismanagement has contributed to forecast shortfall.

May I add another example of the council’s "flippant" waste of public funds?

During the summer, five or six "marshals" were placed on Madeira Drive, at what must be a cost of £1,500.00 to £2,000.00 a day?

Why were the council paying for these marshals who were mainly on their mobile phones all day?

Another major factor affecting the council deficit is conveniently not mentioned by Mr Bell, the i360 which was voted for by the Greens, Conservatives and depending on which day of the week the Labour Party also.

This debacle will be a millstone around this council’s neck for decades to come as it will never make enough money to repay the debt to them.

How long will it be until British Airways withdraw their sponsorship? Watch this space.

Paul Johnston

Middleton Avenue

Hove