"The West Pier Trust said the current scheme is the last chance for it to achieve its aim of a publicly-funded reconstruction" (The Argus, July 7).

So, after all the talk of private consortiums, venture capital, independent financial investment portfolios, pension funds, lottery cash, Adam Trimingham has finally bitten the bullet and come out with "public funds".

As far as I am concerned, being publicly-funded does not make the West Pier site project any more appetising.

Let those who have capital to invest risk their hard-earned cash and reap the benefits of a decent return on their investment, or not, as fortune dictates.

The capitalist system has always warned of the danger of lame ducks and wasting precious resources while praising the virtue of independence - standing on one's own feet and being responsible for one's own actions.

The Argus has always supported small enterprises, independent traders, anyone, in fact, who is not feckless, idle and just looking for a hand-out.

So, let me say again, West Pier restoration, reconstruction, whatever, yes, but no public or lottery cash. Private investment only.

Dream on, brother.

-Ralph Taylor, Brighton