On the face of it, it may seem wise for The Argus to call for the Liberal Democrats to come back to the table for discussions on the new council structures.

However, when looked at objectively, Councillor Elgood has taken a stand for the people of Brighton and Hove.

The last election showed a record low in turn-out.This is a reflection of the contempt in which people hold politicians. Events in local and national government uphold this. It is fine voting once every four years but, when one votes, many issues must be taken into account, not just one or two close to the heart of the individual.

The Liberal Democrats' policy of community involvement within the governance of the city should be taking centre-stage within the new structures. People must be made to feel a part of what goes on, thereby reducing the public's alienation and limiting the scope of the ruling Labour group's closed-shop policy.

Neighbourhood forums, with budgets to spend, would mean people have a say in where some of their tax is spent and would bring councillors themselves closer to their ward members.

Brighton and Hove City Council has a unique opportunity to restore people's faith in it. It is a great shame only the Liberal Democrats see it that way.

By withdrawing from talks about the new structure, the Liberal Democrats can have a powerful voice on behalf of us all and are the only party prepared to make a stand where the voice of the people is concerned.

-Ian Fennell, Queens Park Road, Brighton