How much longer do the politicians in Hastings think they are going to get away with the spin that the town is in the throes of a £400 million regeneration project ("£160m boost for born-again town", The Argus, April 29)?

The Government has promised only £38 million over the next three years and this may or may not lever a further £362 million from other sources over the next ten years.

Talk about WMD - words of mass deception. It's like betting five quid on a horse and telling all your mates you will automatically be able to retire from work on the winnings.

In the case of Hastings, practically anything could kick these plans into touch, from the unexpected cost of the Iraq war to economic recession, interest rate changes and holes in the Chancellor's budget.

Already, the much-trumpeted Stade Maritime project has foundered through lack of funds and Worthing Borough Council trying to ride roughshod over local community feelings.

Council leader Jeremy Birch and MP Michael Foster are kidding themselves if they think a new four-star hotel, offices, shops, flats and leisure facilities are the answer.

Much more than cosmetic improvements are required for a town with chronic transport problems and a reputation for drugs, violent crime and vandalism overseen by a police force that received a less than sparkling review by the HM Inspector of Constabulary.

Instead of superficial cosmetic changes, the £38 million would be better spent on improving the rail and road links to London, putting more bobbies on the beat and addressing the chronic social problems in the town.

Tackle these problems first and the private sector will be queuing up to invest and then true, lasting regeneration will automatically follow.

-Mrs Peggy Culthorpe, Tackleway, Hastings Old Town