We were told the Labour Government's liberalisation of the licensing laws would enable residents to have their say on the granting of alcohol licences in their neighbourhoods.

The increasing proliferation of off-licences in the Lewes Road area (The Argus, May 26) demonstrates clearly just how hollow that claim is. Residents watch aghast as, despite their protests, more of these premises spring up around them. Many open 24 hours a day.

According to the police Lewes Road is now one of the most violent in Sussex with many of the incidents fueled by alcohol. As a consequence those living nearby often suffer noise and disturbance throughout the night. Residents in neighbourhoods throughout the city centre can tell of similar experiences.

The message from communities to central government is loud and clear - "enough is enough". Residents are demanding the right to have their voice heard and their message is very clear "Please - no more!" We can only hope that Gordon Brown and his cabinet colleagues are indeed "listening". Hopefully as a result we can all look forward to an imminent revision of this flawed licensing policy and residents will soon see an end to this relentless onslaught of licensing insanity.