Contrary to Simon Fanshawe's idea that Selma Montford heads "the do-nothing, build-nowhere brigade" (Letters, February 20), there are many Brightonians who are indebted to her for preserving the heritage we now enjoy.

Since the Sixties, Selma has fought diligently on behalf of those without a voice, giving her time, with no thought of profit or publicity, to preserve the beauty of Brighton.

Had Selma not been our "self-appointed spokesperson", much of the architecture we hold dear wouldn't be here today.

Brighton isn't just about Simon Fanshawe and the Brighton and Hove Economic Forum. It is also about families who have lived here for generations and adapted to the not always community-friendly changes Brighton has endured.

It is comparatively easy to walk into a town and, with the help of the media, attempt to change it. But there are also those who have given their life blood to help shape the city into what it is today.

As for Mr Fanshawe's passion for the city to leap forward in order to thrive, some would say it was thriving before he arrived.

If there is a voice to be heard in this debate, surely it is that of the people of Brighton who are having everything they count as their history destroyed by profitseeking newcomers.

Whatever people think of Selma Montford, they can't deny she is a dedicated, well-respected member of this society.

Is Simon Fanshawe?

-Marian Devoy, Brighton