Councillor Ken Bodfish's support for residents who are lodging objections to extended pub opening hours in Brighton and Hove is most welcome.

As a North Laine resident, with two pubs as close neighbours, I would appreciate it if Councillor Bodfish could communicate his views to his colleagues on the board hearing such objections.

I have already attended one such meeting and some concessions were made to the concerns my neighbours and I voiced but we were told more than once that Brighton and Hove City Council could do little because "it is Government policy".

In vain did we point out that Bristol and Westminster had both decided extensions were not in the interests of their residents.

Might we hope that at the hearing for the applications from the Eagle in Gloucester Road, which is in the heart of a residential area, councillors will agree it is unacceptable for drinkers to be emerging on to the streets every night, seven days a week, until 4am?

I wonder whether the council, if it allows this disruption of our right to a decent night's sleep, will find itself at risk of prosecution under the Human Rights Act, which allows for the "peaceful enjoyment of possessions".

-Mrs JAL Powell, Brighton