Your article on EB4U funding and activities in East Brighton gives a false impression.

I have been involved with New Deal for the Community from the very beginning and every project is carefully monitored.

Each goes from steering group to appraisal panel and must then satisfy the Government Office of the South East.

The initiative comes from people who actually live in the area and the schemes reflect their needs and wishes.

It is too early to assess the impact of EB4U but there have been some outstanding successes.

Crime has gone down by 18 per cent.

The Bridge Community Education Centre in Moulsecoomb puts on a range of immensely popular courses.

The Crew Club, a youth centre in Whitehawk, is also going strong, as is the Valley Centre.

It isn't my scene, but if people benefit from acupuncture and other alternative therapies, I won't knock it.

Equally, dance lessons resulted in a marvellous performance by about 60 young people at the Gardner Art Centre to a crowded audience.

There are bound to be critics and one could argue about priorities. However, the EB4U project is recognised as one of the best in the country.

It is still in its infancy but I believe it will transform the neighbourhood and change lives for the better.

-Francis Tonks, Councillor for Moulsecoomb and Bevendean