With reference to the article “Neighbours silence over squatters” by Tim Ridgway and Ben Parsons (The Argus, January 25): I’m not in the least bit surprised that the neighbours of Park House were keeping schtum about the squatters there.

It sounds to me infinitely preferable to the alternative – a massive block of tiny apartments. And let’s face it, if the planning appeal is successful, that’s exactly what they’ll end up with – nothing useful, like high-quality affordable housing for the youngsters (or even oldsters, such as myself) of Hove struggling to get their feet on the housing ladder.

Look at the facts. It’s in a prime location within walking distance of Hove Station – ideal for high-earning London commuter types – and in a lovely spot between two of Hove’s best parks, right on the A27. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see where the developers are coming from.

Wendy Tyler
Livingstone Road, Hove

I agree with Valerie Paynter of Save Hove that the Park House squatters have been better neighbours than Hyde-Martlet (The Argus, January 25). I am one of those close neighbours who has been happy to see Park House with lights on and has known that there have been squatters there with a roof over their heads since last November.

They have been very respectful of their neighbours and very quiet. After the party on Friday as people were leaving I noticed two of them with plastic bags clearing rubbish from the front garden. For some of the close neighbours this party was the first they had known that the building was occupied.

HydeMartlet have just put in planning applications and allowed this beautiful building, which it wishes to knock down, fall apart over the past three years. As neighbours we have tried to report leaks and burglar alarms going off and have never managed to contact them.

This was a thriving English language school only three years ago, with student accomodation. The damage inflicted on this lovely building has been done purely by neglect.

Name and address supplied