In response to Ken Bodfish (Letters, August 28), it is true several individuals from Brighton and Hove City Council can be singled out for their assistance, guidance and support in staging the biggest gay Pride festival in Britain this year, principally the members of the safety advisory group.

We are very grateful for facilities such as the free use of Preston Park and the time put in by those members of staff.

That said, it is our park as it belongs to everyone in Brighton and Hove.

The staff, too, are employees of the people of Brighton and Hove including the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) community.

Councillor Bodfish wishes to "get the facts straight" so let us help him.

The council has made no direct financial contribution to Pride in the last five years.

The Albion is a private company which does not have charitable status.

The council is supporting a private company with public funds.

The council cleans up after any street event.

Pride organisers take responsibility and pay more than £8,000 for the cleaning of Preston Park before handing it back to the council.

Why then should Pride have to wait until it achieves charitable status before the council can make direct contributions?

-Rob Burlace (sponsorship co-ordinator) on behalf of the committee, Pride in Brighton and Hove