The Labour Party Conference is again being held in Brighton at the end of this month. No doubt, and quite rightly, security and policing levels will be increased in and around the island site, as well as the remainder of Brighton and Hove, in the light of the awful carnage caused by terrorists in the US.

Although we do not pay the lion's share of the costs for policing this event now, taxpayers will still be liable for part of the payment. Rate rebates are never offered.

To say this conference is of benefit to Brighton and Hove is an overstatement. Many delegates will be wined and dined on the island site and need not spend their money in local establishments. The only beneficiaries are the major seafront hotels hosting events and providing beds. Negative publicy would, however, be generated if carnage occurred, with potential visitors too frightened to come.

Nobody seems to consider the fear this event causes local residents. With the island interior so well protected, any terrorist attack would be aimed at the perimeters - our homes.

Welcome conferences, by all means, but decline any from a political party in government. The potential risk of attack is too great and the cost too enormous for us to bear.

-Terry Wing, Regency Square, Brighton