We have just completed our first summer trading in The Lanes in Brighton, which are described as Britain's second most popular tourist attraction - beaten only by the Millennium Eye.

As the owner of a European-style chocolate shop, we feel we appeal to local people and visitors.

However, we scrutinised our customers carefully and there was one very notable absence - people from Brighton.

I am certain Brighton residents are not unique in the world of enjoying chocolate but they rarely visit The Lanes.

We had friends visit for hot chocolate and truffles who said they hadn't been there for five years.

Visitor after visitor told us how The Lanes have changed and are now so interesting.

Brighton doesn't even keep the streets swept, let alone provide a map for tourists clearly describing the locality of this historic venue.

There are shops where you can buy home accessories, hats, shoes and fine clothing.

The jewellers cater for all, successfully competing with Tiffany's or shopping mall stores.

At least 50 people this summer didn't realise the old church was converted to a bar.

As a business owner, I am shocked that the traders are left to make this wonderful place what it is. Yet to the people of Brighton it's a forgotten place.

To add insult to injury, there is now no loading facility for traders as it has been lost until Christmas and the signs are gone from eye view.

Anywhere else would have a sign pointing to The Lanes.

-Maxine Nelson, Just Chocolate, Union Street, Brighton