I would like to thank Councillor Geoff Wells for pointing out that the Astoria is indeed in Gloucester Place (Letters, September 11).

He is quite right and I apologise for the mistake which was due to over-hasty letter writing.

Having informed the readers of the Astoria's correct address, could he now perhaps educate us as to the progress (or otherwise) of the renovations within?

If things have ground to a halt, perhaps it could be used as Brighton's new ice rink, especially as it would appear that the Forte Hotel bid is likely to succeed.

Following the publicity history of the Gehry proposals, it would seem that the public is being groomed to accept the hotel development for Black Rock, despite the fact it does not fit the criteria for community leisure as outlined in the planning brief for that site.

No doubt when we are familiarised with the hotel plans, we will be told that it is the council's choice.

-Penny Hajduk, Lower Bevendean, Brighton