I was saddened to learn Preston Manor in Brighton will be closed to the public during winter (October-March).

I used to enjoy going there in the winter when there was an entrance price reduction for Brighton residents. On a recent visit I was told four members of staff will lose their jobs, apparently to save the council £25,000.

In concentrating on tourist attractions such as the Royal Pavilion the council is neglecting its smaller and less significant treasures.

Once the building is closed, it could suffer the fate of Stanmer House which vandals trashed.

This would give the council the excuse to close it permanently.

I have visited Preston Manor on and off all my life and always enjoy how well preserved it is. It has a palpable atmosphere and feeling of stepping back in time - I especially love the paintings by the stairs of how Brighton looked when the area surrounding Preston Manor was fields.

If there is a problem with falling visitor numbers, surely the council could use a bit of creativity to change things around, like better marketing, maybe a cafe, maybe offering it as a wedding venue, like the Pavilion.

The area outside Preston Manor is also beautiful and on a sunny afternoon should be packed with people.

The council needs to stop concentrating on the centre and remember its periphery. It would be a tragedy if Preston Manor closed down after all this time.

-Sophie Harris, Brighton