IT IS encouraging to read Councillor David Smith’s response to the debate on the short-sighted proposal to close the Brighton History Centre (Letters, December 28).
However, a little decoding is needed for people who use this unique resource.
“100% secure” means that most research documents will be under lock and key and therefore not available.
“For two years until The Keep is built at Falmer” should read, “for two years, if the necessary funding shortfall is overcome, planning permission granted and contracts let”.
Realistically, a five-year period is more likely.
And could Coun Smith please state which “resources will be continuously available” for this period?
As a serious researcher may I define my bare minimum?
The microfilms of all local newspapers, local directories, the contents of the map drawers, historic rate books and electoral registers, none of which are available in their entirety elsewhere.
I am sure other users can add to the list.
Come on, councillor, let’s have some facts, otherwise the words of Abraham Lincoln – “You can fool some of the people...” – spring to mind.
John Blackwell
Hythe Road
Brighton
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