OUR TV screens are reminding us of the horrors of the First World War and a movie made in Brighton is worth downloading.

Released in 1969, Oh! What A Lovely War was a triumphant directorial debut for Richard Attenborough. It is a savage indictment of the donkeys who led our young lions to slaughter 100 years ago and the cast list reads like a Who’s Who of our top acting talent.

Maggie Smith steals the show and the final scene is unforgettable.

Much of it was shot on the West Pier. Six years later the pier was shut for ever and the West Pier Trust was formed in 1978. What have they achieved after all these years? Two words should cover it.

Their website says the i360 is “the only show in town”.

Brighton’s Tories have committed political suicide by backing it, while the majority of citizens don’t want it.

Perhaps thousands will line the promenade, desperate to see the sea and into the top windows of the Metropole.

It’s more likely the vanity project will be a financial disaster which will be closed within five years.

Then the elements will turn it into a rusty eyesore to match its neighbour to the south.

Alan Jones, Portslade Old Village