I was sorry to hear of the death of Ken Fines (The Argus, March 28).

I came into contact with him first when he led the splendid Greater Brighton Urban Structure Plan team in the early 1970s. The team's work was a model for its time and its commitment to public participation still has lessons for today.

Later we worked together harmoniously from our respective bases in the planning departments of Brighton and Hove.

I shall never forget listening to Ken and realising how much he loved Brighton and Hove. His enthusiasm for its variety and beauty was infectious. The city owes him a great debt.

  • Michael Ray, chairman of the Regency Society and former director of planning, Hove

Many members of the North Laine Traders Association were sorry to read of the death of Ken Fines on Easter Monday. As planning officer for Brighton in the mid-1970s Ken effectively "saved" the North Laine area from the developers and helped create the vibrant conservation area we have today.

I was lucky enough to get to know Ken a little during my 29 years of involvement with both the community and traders associations and was always impressed by Ken's humility and general enthusiasm for Brighton.

He will be sadly missed by many of us who believe, that, without Ken, Brighton may well have turned into another soulless city.

  • Peter Stocker, co-ordinator, North Laine Traders