My husband, daughter and myself recently visited England for a couple of weeks from California, where we moved nine years ago.

It was lovely to see Brighton again and all the changes that have been made - the newly-developed Churchill Square shopping mall on Western Road is a good addition to the town.

But I was disappointed to see the Palace Pier is now named the Brighton Pier. Why the name change? I don't see it was necessary or even beneficial. The name Palace Pier is a part of Brighton's history and conjures up pictures of bathing huts and old-fashioned amusements. l know we have to move with the times but it is also good to keep a hold of history too.

I was born and brought up in Brighton and it is sad to see the West Pier still in ruins when it could once again be a wonderful source of recreation and enjoyment for everyone.

-Mrs Sue Gardner, California, USA