I felt compelled to write this after an experience I had in London Road. I hadn't been there for a while, so what a shock it was to see how run-down it has become.

The shops are mostly cheap discount stores, charity shops (which I like) and food outlets. The Co-op and a couple of other larger stores are the only saving grace.

It was litter and the general state of the place which concerned me. There was rubbish everywhere and groups of loutish youths mouthing abuse, which was intimidating.

There is so little respect in this town and rubbish is just dropped where the person stands.

I waited for the 26 bus, along with a few other passengers, including some who were elderly. When the bus finally arrived, a group of young lads pushed to the front. Irrespective of who had been waiting for what seemed like an age, they made sure they got the last few seats.

All the seats were taken, mostly by young people, and myself and some of the elderly people had to stand.

I have always taught my son to give up a seat for others but in this case, there was no respect shown.

I am not elderly so it was fine for me to stand but it was a disgrace that some of the older passengers had to. Even mothers with children made no effort to give up a seat. I was so angry.

To make matters worse, being on the bus was akin to being in a cafe with the Philharmonic Orchestra in the background. There were so many people munching away on burgers, fries, fried chicken, sandwiches and crisps it was unreal. And their mobile phones were ringing with every tone you could imagine.

I don't know how the driver could concentrate, with the smell of food wafting all over the bus.

By the time I got off, I knew the life story of someone sitting near me. The lads who had pushed their way on were so loud and rude, which was intimidating for anyone nearby.

I was brought up to respect my surroundings and our fellow citizens but there seems to be none now.

If respect is learnt from a young age, it goes with you all through life (maybe some of those mothers should have shown an example and made their children give up their seat to someone more frail than them).

One day, these young people will be old. By then, I dread to think how things will have deteriorated.

-DJ Knowles, Brighton