I WAS saddened to hear that Dawn Barnett had lost her seat on Brighton and Hove City Council.

Although I do not live in Hangleton she was a great representative and spoke up for the residents on key issues.

But I believe I am in a sizeable majority in feeling relief at the departure of the Green-led administration.

The new Labour administration has a hard task ahead. The previous council has the left the city in a shambles.

The pavements and roads are in appalling condition. Pot holes are everywhere.

I hope the new administration will not create any more cycle lanes. I believe these lanes have only led to the narrowing of roads and caused traffic congestion. In fairness, the cost of removing these lanes may be prohibitive.

Where cycle lanes exist there should now be a by-law preventing cyclists riding on pavements. An example of this is that a cycle lane runs along Madeira Drive but cyclists still ride along the Marine Parade pavement.

As summer approaches the weeds problem is a major headache. The refusal of the Greens to use weedkillers has caused some walkways to be impassable. There is no reason why organic weedkillers cannot be used. I believe this should be a priority before the warmer weather leads to the massive growth of weeds experienced during recent summers.

Prior to the Green administration previous councils took a harder line on beggars. Western Road, North Street, St James's Street and others are full of these people. Many do not appear to be local. Is it not time that these beggars were discouraged and ordered to move?

Brighton and Hove and many other places have serious housing shortages.

A massive housebuilding programme is needed. Housing lists should not be open to non-residents of the city - people who were born, lived and worked locally should have priority. 

Local election results do not always translate into a general election outcome. The turnout at the local elections was below 40 per cent. This was approximately a third lower then at a general election. Most of the people who did not vote will support their usual party at a general election.

I believe if an election were called shortly Labour would win narrowly, possibly short of an overall majority.

Labour at the moment are basking in the heat of the government's problems but Rishi Sunak appears to be "steadying his ship". Although most polls place Labour ahead, the gap is narrowing.

The lead up to the next election could be very interesting.

Richard J Szypulski

Lavender Street

Brighton