In response to Howard Bayley ("More waste", Letters, December 10), work recently carried out on Western Road is part of an ongoing programme to improve the road and ensure restrictions on cars are maintained.

All the work on Western Road was funded by the Government, not the council tax-payers of Brighton and Hove.

Therefore money spent on Western Road has no bearing at all on council tax, as Mr Bayley suggests.

The council has replied to Mr Bayley, explaining that the decision to carry out improvements on Western Road was based on strict Government criteria to make sure all roads in the country conform to the same standard.

He should understand we don't dig up roads for fun but are following rules set down by central government and adhered to by every local authority in the country.

It is a shame Mr Bayley's letter deteriorated into a personal attack on council officers as the council is committed to improving transport.

Our commitment has won us many awards for our transport system. In fact, officials from the Deputy Prime Minister's office are visiting the city as we have been shortlisted as a centre of excellence for public transport.

-Councillor Gill Mitchell, chairwoman, environment committee, Brighton and Hove City Council