I am writing to express my support for Stephen Albion (Opinion, March 8), who raised the issue of the exorbitant house prices in Brighton and Hove being detrimental to the city.

I have seven close mates who were born, bred and schooled in this city. Two have moved away and another two are contemplating moving. Their primary reason for this is the high price of housing.

The property section of The Argus dated February 21 carried an interview with an estate agent which indicated his "unbridled enthusiasm" for the city's housing market.

He appeared to take great pleasure in the fact that the city is now a "suburb of London" and that 40 per cent of his business comes from individuals moving from the capital.

Brighton is not a suburb of London. It has its own character, history and charm, much of which stems from its local residents.

While this housing price boom is obviously beneficial to estate agents, many locals cannot afford to buy local housing and are being driven from the home city they love.

Solutions are not easy to find but more affordable housing is essential, along with a detailed study as to whether it is now time to offer some form of pay supplement, similar to London weighting.

-Ian James, Belfast Street, Hove