ONE of your letter writers pointed out that the branch of Lloyds Bank at Preston Road (near Preston Circus) was one of those recently closed down (Argus Letters, June 14).

That branch provided a useful service to thousands of local residents and to many businesses in the area.

So where were the "Green" Party councillors who claimed to represent the area over the past 25 years and the local MP, also "Green"? Answer: nowhere to be seen!

The Co-operative applied to open a branch of their supermarket in London Road and where were the "Green" councillors then? Having approved a planning application which resulted in the closure of the Co-op supermarket (and Boots) in London Road, the council then failed to help those stores find alternative premises in the area.

In fact, the Green councillors opposed the planning application for a Co-op supermarket in London Road, which could have acted as an "anchor" to help revive the area, on licensing grounds, even though they are usually well managed.

Could that be for narrow "political" reasons? Then, there was the demolition of the Wood Store recycling premises, together with Master Tiles and the nearby Harvest Foods (which helped local residents with deliveries during the pandemic) without offering them suitable alternative premises. This was done to build a large private tower block, without thinking about local residents or helping to find suitable premises for these small/medium sized businesses.

Watch out for future developments in the London Road and Preston Circus area because the Greens seem to know little about the background and often fail to consult properly with people.

Rob Heale

Chatham Place

Brighton