Who are we to believe when it comes to crime figures? I read recently local police were saying crime figures were down, Brighton and Hove was a safe city and residents should not be afraid to venture out at night.

But now (The Argus, May 1), the police are saying public order offences and common assault have gone up by 80 per cent since the advent of 24-hour drinking.

Brighton's chief superintendent says he is worried about what will happen this summer and residents complain they are unable to sleep due to the noise and vandalism.

People are being found drunk now at 7am.

Where are they getting the cash to be able to afford to drink into the early hours?

The Government was warned 24-hour drinking would result in more drunkenness but, as usual, it thought it knew best. While it is true other nations drink in a civilised manner, they should have realised the British are no longer the cultured race of old.

-Jenny Slattery, Hove