There are 42 seats in Preston Park, Brighton, and I am pleased to respond to Selma Montford and the Preston and Old Patcham Society (Letters, July 12) that four seats will very soon be in place in the recently restored walled garden.

There was never any commitment to install the seats by November and I can assure everybody the seats should be in place within the next two weeks.

I am also pleased to write that Brighton and Hove City Council will be providing seating in Withdean Park later this year, placed to allow visitors to the park an opportunity to view and enjoy the National Lilac Collection which is planted there.

The council aims to supplement the existing mature lilac collection in the park with additional varieties over the next few years and will begin planting later this year.

It is also working to restore and replant the shelter belt in the park, planted by William Roe in the late 18th Century, which protects and provides shelter for the lilac collection.

I hope the additional seating in Preston Park and Withdean Park will encourage even more people to visit and enjoy them.

-Coun Heather James, deputy chairwoman, environment committee, Brighton and Hove City Council