Early survey evidence from America shows the recession has already changed how people use their time.

People are moving away from shopping and endless buying towards an activities-based lifestyle. In 2009, visitor numbers to American museums actually went up.

We are all surely casting about for low-cost options now. This recession is shaping up to be the granddaddy of them all, with mountainous public debt likely to trim many an ambition for years to come.

One might, therefore, quite reasonably expect increasing numbers of people to be researching family histories or carrying out conservation studies – more people seeking “meaning” rather than “things”.

Local authorities have always advertised museums in a low-key way but perhaps the time is now ripe for better marketing of recession-friendly museums and resources such as the Brighton History Centre.

Why should this be considered any less of an “offer” to city visitors than shopping or the beach?

To close the centre just when people most need such low-cost activities seems wrong.

How many residents even know the history centre is there or what it might have that would be rewarding for them to explore. Don’t close it – advertise it.

Valerie Paynter, saveHOVE POBox 521, Hove BN3 6HY