According to Christopher Hawtree (Letters, June 27), it is apparently controversial to wish to represent the people of an electoral ward while residing in another ward.

As a regular fixture of Brighton and Hove City Council meetings in the public gallery, Mr Hawtree must surely be aware the majority of councillors do not reside in the wards they represent.

Perhaps Mr Hawtree could purchase a map of Brighton and Hove. He could then see Portslade is not in Outer Mongolia but within the same city as East Brighton.

It can be reached via a regular and efficient bus service that does not involve using the Channel Tunnel.

But seriously, Adam Trimingham makes a valid point, in the same issue, concerning the minority of professional whingers in the city who oppose anything.

He suggests, if they are not satisfied with the way they are represented by the various political parties, they should have the courage of their convictions and put themselves forward for election.

Perhaps Mr Hawtree would like to get off the touchline and on to the pitch? But only in Hove, obviously.

-Craig Turton, Dean Gardens, Portslade