David Panter is not employed as a spin doctor for Brighton and Hove's ruling Labour group and the long herogram to his political masters should have appeared under the name of council leader Ken Bodfish.

Mr Panter's time would be better spent sorting out the appalling urban mismanagement that blights the city.

He might start by addressing street cleaning, pavement parking and the general dereliction of the London Road.

This work is not as glitzy as arts festivals and cultural recognition but is just as important.

Indeed, any self-respecting European City of Culture committee will take one look at the litter and rotting refuse sacks in the city centre and go back to Brussels without bothering to waste Mr Panter's time.

-Bill Randall, Carlyle Street Brighton