As a community centre based in Hollingdean, we are absolutely appalled by the decision of Brighton and Hove City Council's planning committee to ignore the local community's overwhelming opposition and site the waste dump next to Downs Infant School and in the middle of a residential community (The Argus, June 20).

It is difficult to believe a similar decision would have been taken if, instead of Hollingdean, the proposal had been to site the dump in Westdene, Rottingdean or Patcham.

This was a decision which was forced through despite the fears expressed for children or, indeed, vulnerable adults in the area.

It demonstrates utter contempt for local democracy.

New Labour have demonstrated the needs of big business are more important than the health and welfare of ordinary working-class people.

If the council and planning committee had engaged in a little of the joined-up thinking New Labour once prided itself on, it might have considered it logical to situate the dump at Falmer and the football stadium where the dump will now be.

If New Labour lose control of the council at next May's elections, they will know where the blame lies.

-Tony Greenstein, secretary, Brighton & Hove Unemployed Workers Centre Frank Elvy House, Crestway Parade, Hollingdean, Brighton