Having lived next door to a public house in Western Street for 25 years, I support the local hostelries, including the Iron Duke Hotel.

I find noise comes not from the pubs but rather people to-ing and fro-ing, enjoying the atmosphere of our "village", or returning from a night out in the city centre.

This is inevitable if you choose to live in a densely populated area.

Public houses are an intrinsic part of the history of Brunswick.

Many pre-date the turning of large houses into flats. The Brunswick area has also lost many pubs to residential accommodation, most recently the Star of Brunswick, whose wonderful etched windows are, I believe, lost for ever.

The local pubs are ours; they serve our community in numerous ways and contribute to the character of the area.

People who object to this should not buy property near pubs then complain they are there.

I suggest such people move away and leave our area to those who enjoy the lifestyle it offers and want to be part of preserving our community and heritage.

-Donald Hales, Brighton