Evertyone should work hard to make sure the ignorant few do not jeopardise the open-mindedness which defines Brighton and Hove.

As the man who discovered the dinosaur, geologist Dr Gideon Mantell is a pivotal figure in world history.

But his name is going the way of the very creatures he uncovered in Brighton.

A commemorative blue plaque to Dr Mantell, once put up proudly and with ceremony on the wall of his home-turned-museum in Old Steine, is all but illegible.

Weather and neglect have worn away the lettering on the plaque, designed by Eric Gill, making it unreadable for the hordes of modern visitors who pass by oblivious.

Dr Mantell is one of the many historical figures from Brighton and Hove who, could disappear from our streets forever.

The names of these forgotten heroes may not be instantly recognisable but they are still an important part of our past.

To allow the lovingly erected plaques to be left to rot would be a travesty.

We forget history at our peril.